Azarenka thrashes Sharapova to become new world number 1

MELBOURNE (AFP) - Victoria Azarenka won her first grand slam title and became the new world number one when she thrashed a disappointing Maria Sharapova in the Australian Open final on Saturday.

The third-seeded Belarusian overpowered Sharapova to win 6-3, 6-0 in 82 minutes to lift the trophy and become women's tennis's fourth first-time grand slam winner in a row.

Azarenka came from 0-2 down in the first set to win 12 of the next 13 games for a comprehensive victory as Sharapova's game disintegrated in the face of all-out aggression from the Belarusian. Sharapova made 30 unforced errors, while Azarenka played almost flawlessly at times with only 12 errors across the two sets.

Azarenka won the toss and chose to serve, but she started nervously and dished up two double faults on her way to dropping the first game.