8 Reasons why Azarenka won the Australian Open 2012

There were plenty of reasons why Victoria Azarenka won her first Grand Slam at the Australian Open 2012. She finished last season on a high note as runner-up to Petra Kvitova at the WTA Championships, she trained hard over the off-season, won her warm-up tournament at Sydney,and of course, she always had the hunger for success to go with her talent and big game. There were also a lot of things that went her way, including her favorable hard-court record against Maria Sharapova, and playing against an injured Kim Clijsters. This list is a not-so-serious look at Azarenka’s really serious achievement of winning her first Grand Slam and becoming the world’s #1 woman tennis player.

8 Reasons why Azarenka won the Australian Open 2012

Reason #8. Azarenka used the money she earned from Sydney to super-motivate (a.k.a. bribe) Ekaterina Makarova to dispatch Serena Williams in the 4th round. After all, it was Williams who have dealt losses to Azarenka in 2009 and 2010 in Melbourne.

Reason #7. Azarenka didn’t want to lose a Grand Slam final the way fellow Belarusian Natalia Zvereva did during the French Open in 1988. Zvereva was double-bageled by Steffi Graf. When Azarenka lost the first 2 games of the match, she wanted to win just one game. She was so focused on getting to the scoreboard that she won 12 of the next 13 games.

Reason #6. Azarenka wanted Maria Sharapova’s multiple million dollar sponsorships. She couldn’t do anything about out-appealing Sharapova, so she decided to out-scream and out-play the Russian. (She did, but I highly doubt she’ll get the endorsements as well.)

Reason #5. Azarenka desperately wanted the #1 ranking, but she wanted to have it in a valid way – by actually beating the best players at the biggest stages of tennis – i.e. win a Grand Slam. So she became the 21st player ever to achieve the #1 ranking, and she did it in style. (It was the opposite for how the 18th – Jelena Jankovic, 19th – Dinara Safina, and 20th – Caroline Wozniacki, players to have gotten the #1 achieved the top ranking.)

Reason #4. Azarenka needed the extra money to help long-time friend Nikolai Khabibulin of the NHL’s Edmonton Oilers. Khabibulin helped finance Azarenka’s training when her family couldn’t afford it, and Azarenka was returning the favor for Khabibulin who spent a half-month in jail last year due to a DUI conviction.

Reason #3. In the finals, a different Sharapova showed up. It was not the Sharapova-of-the-three-grand-slam-titles-and-former-number-one who played. Rather, it was more of the Sharapova-who-couldn’t-win-a-tournament-like-Anna-Kournikova player that showed up at Rod Laver Arena.

Reason #2. An online petition filed by 99% of tennis fans who did not agree with Caroline Wozniacki being ranked #1 in women’s tennis despite not EVEN REACHING A SINGLE GRAND SLAM FINAL! The highly emotional online petition that threatened to boycott WTA tournaments around the globe found its way to the lockers of the three semifinalists – Azarenka, Sharapova, and Kvitova. Kvitova saw the petition after losing a hotly contested semifinal to Sharapova and in her anger ripped out the copies intended for her and Sharapova. And so, only Azarenka got to read the contents of the petition.

Reason #1. The Medusa-like glare which Kim Clijsters kept throwing at her during their semifinal match mutated Azarenka into a super-player that could bagel Sharapova in a Grand Slam final set. Now, not even Serena with mom Oracene as coach can match that.

Can anyone think of two more reasons? I wanted a list of 10 reasons for why Azarenka won the Australian Open 2012.

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Roger Federer Prize Money Earnings - 2012 Updates

World #3 Roger Federer continues to lead the men's tennis career prize money leaders with earnings of almost $67,930,818. Federer holds the record for most prize money earned in a tennis career, more than $21 million earned that the next player in the list, Rafael Nadal. In 2011, Federer earned $6,320,726 for his singles tournaments achievements. Federer has won 70 tournaments since turning professional in 1997. He has lifted 16 Grand Slam titles, the most for any player. At the end of 2011, Federer finished in the top 3 for the ninth straight year. He had a string of eight top 2 year-end finishes from 2003 - 2010.

Federer 2012 Prize Money

Australian Open, Australia; Prize Money: A$437,000
Doha, Qatar; Prize Money: $50,030

Federer 2011 Prize Money

Barclays ATP World Tour Finals, Great Britain; Prize Money: $1,630,000
ATP World Tour Masters 1000 Paris, France; Prize Money: €454,000
Basel, Switzerland; Prize Money: €318,000
AUS vs SUI WG Play-Off, Australia; Prize Money: $0
US Open, NY, U.S.A.; Prize Money: $450,000
ATP World Tour Masters 1000 Cincinnati, OH, U.S.A.; Prize Money: $62,240
ATP World Tour Masters 1000 Canada, Montreal, Canada; Prize Money: $31,280
SUI vs. POR EAG 1 2nd RD, Switzerland; Prize Money: $0
Wimbledon, Great Britain; Prize Money: £137,500
Roland Garros, France; Prize Money: €600,000
ATP World Tour Masters 1000 Rome, Italy; Prize Money: €27,750
ATP World Tour Masters 1000 Madrid, Spain; Prize Money: €133,000
ATP World Tour Masters 1000 Monte Carlo, Monaco; Prize Money: €53,500
ATP World Tour Masters 1000 Miami, FL, U.S.A.; Prize Money: $149,450
ATP World Tour Masters 1000 Indian Wells, CA, U.S.A.; Prize Money: $149,450
Dubai, U.A.E.; Prize Money: $181,500
Australian Open, Australia; Prize Money: A$420,000
Doha, Qatar; Prize Money: $177,000

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Nadal vs Djokovic 2012 - The Rivalry Continues

Let's face it. Nadal Djokovic 2012 is the tennis rivalry of the year. Will Rafael Nadal ever solve world #1 Novak Djokovic? The Spaniard has now lost to the Serb in their past 7 meetings, the last three in Grand Slam finals. Still, Nadal holds a 16-14 advantage over Djokovic but this advantage hasn't been seen by tennis fans since 2010. Every single match they've played in 2011 and this year (although there's been only one), has gone Djokovic's way. In a rivalry that is expected to thrill every tennis fan and tennis spectator, expect Nadal to at least win some matches this year. Probably during the hard court season through March, but start seeing some Nadal wins over Djokovic during the spring and summer stint on clay. Nadal Djokovic 2012 will dominate headlines this year. Check the ATP Tour website for the Nadal Djokovic 2012 head to head rivalry.

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Azarenka Pictures - Australian Open 2012

Dozens of high quality Azarenka pictures available for fans and tennis enthusiasts are found in the Australian Open 2012 photo galleries. Azarenka Pictures: view Victoria Azarenka holding the Daphne Akhurst Memorial Cup. View Victoria Azarenka celebrating her Grand Slam win. View Victoria Azarenka in the locker rooms after winning the 2012 Australian Open women's singles title. Azarenka Pictures: Maria Sharapova and Victoria Azarenka shake hands at the net after the women's singles final on Rod Laver Arena. Azarenka Pictures: Victoria Azarenka serves during her women's singles final against Maria Sharapova on Rod Laver Arena. Azarenka Pictures are found at the Australian Open 2012 Photo Galleries.

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Djokovic beats Nadal, wins Australian Open 2012 for 5th Grand Slam

In the longest Australian Open men's singles final in history, world #1 Novak Djokovic stamped his mastery over his closest challenger, #2 Rafael Nadal, by winning a memorable fifth set battle that lasted beyond midnight. His 5-7, 6-4, 6-2, 6-7, 7-5 victory is his third consecutive Grand Slam final win over his Spanish rival. It was also Djokovic's seventh consecutive victory over Nadal since January 2011 and has now edged closer in their head-to-head match-up by winning 14 of the 30 matches. Djokovic showed unmatched mental fortitude during the five hour battle even when Nadal conjured a scintillating fourth set comeback after losing decisively in the second and third sets. Djokovic celebrated his fifth grand slam title and third Australian Open title by ripping his shirt in front of a boisterous and adoring crowd.

There were a total of 369 points in the match with Djokovic winning 193 of them. Nadal was better in first serve accuracy by putting 67% of his first serves in while Djokovic served 59%. Nadal had 10 aces against Djokovic's 9 aces, but Nadal had 4 double faults while Djokovic had 2. Djokovic had a faster average serve for both his first and second serves. Djokovic came out on top on the number of winners with 57 while Nadal had 44. Nadal and Djokovic almost had the same number of unforced errors with Nadal's count at 71 while Djokovic had 69. Watch the Australian Open 2012 singles final highlights.

Rafael Nadal interview quote: "I think we played a great tennis match. It was I think a very good show, my opinion. I enjoyed being part of this event and this match. That's the true, no?

I wanted to win, but I am happy about how I did. I had my chances against the best player of the world today. I played one against one. For a long time I didn't felt that I was playing in less advantage than him, you know.

I didn't play at lower level than him for a long time, so that's a very positive thing for me. I am very happy about my mentality tonight, the mentality worked like in my best moments."

Novak Djokovic interview quote: 'I'm very proud just to be part of this history, part of the elite of the players that have won this tournament for several times, and I was very flattered to be playing in front of Rod Laver, in front of the alltime greats, and in front of 15,000 people that stayed until 1:30 a.m.

It's incredible, really."

Novak Djokovic on preparing for the French Open 2012: "I'm prioritizing Grand Slams this year, as every year, and Olympic Games. I think that's one of my highest goals.

That doesn't mean of course that I'm not gonna prepare well and perform my best on the other tournaments. It's just that, you know, the Grand Slams matter the most.

So I want to do well and I want to get the first final at least in Paris, you know. I have never been in finals there, and I have a feeling that I'm ready this year to achieve that."

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Watch Djokovic Australian Open 2012 Men's Finals Highlights, Interviews

Watch the Novak Djokovic interview video after he won the Australian Open 2012 men's singles title. Watch Djokovic press conference video after winning the Australian Open 2012 men's singles final. Watch the Djokovic vs Nadal shot of the day video at the 2012 Australian Open 2012 men's singles final. Watch the 2012 Australian Open 2012 men's singles final highlights online between Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal. Watch Rafael Nadal press conference video after the Australian Open 2012 men's singles final. Videos are found at the Australian Open 2012 Online TV.

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Azarenka Victoria is Women's Tennis #1

Victoria Azarenka of Belarus becomes the 21st woman player to hold the top ranking after winning the Australian Open 2012 in convincing fashion. Azarenka beat former #1 and 3-time grand slam winner Maria Sharapova of Russia in straight sets to win her first ever grand slam title. Azarenka breaks the string of 3 previous #1 players who reached the top spot without winning a single Grand Slam. These include Jelena Jankovic of Serbia, Dinara Safina of Russia, and Caroline Wozniacki of Denmark.

List of Women's Tennis #1 Players since 1975
Sorted by Date when first reaching the #1 women's tennis ranking

1 Chris Evert
2 Evonne Goolagong Cawley
3 Martina Navrátilová
4 Tracy Austin
5 Steffi Graf
6 Monica Seles
7 Arantxa Sánchez Vicario
8 Martina Hingis
9 Lindsay Davenport
10 Jennifer Capriati
11 Venus Williams
12 Serena Williams
13 Kim Clijsters
14 Justine Henin
15 Amélie Mauresmo
16 Maria Sharapova
17 Ana Ivanović
18 Jelena Janković - 0 Grand Slam title
19 Dinara Safina - 0 Grand Slam title
20 Caroline Wozniacki - 0 Grand Slam title
21 Victoria Azarenka

Victoria Azarenka's #1 ranking will become official on January 30, 2011.

Azarenka Year-End Ranking History

2011: #3
2010: #10
2009: #7
2008: #15
2007: #30
2006: #92
2005: #146
2004: #506

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Nadal vs Djokovic Head to Head: Australian Open 2012 Finals Preview

The Australian Open 2012 men's singles final will mark the 30th match between #1 Novak Djokovic and #2 Rafael Nadal. Nadal holds a 16-13 advantage but he has not beaten Djokovic in more than a year. Djokovic beat Nadal in five championship matches in 2011, including the Wimbledon and the US Open finals. Nadal turned professional in 2001 while Djokovic did the same in 2003.

Below is a complete list of Nadal vs Djokovic head to head matches and it includes ATP World Tour, Grand Slam, and Davis Cup Main Draw Results.

Year Tournament & City Surface Round Winner & Score

2011 US Open
NY, U.S.A. Hard F Djokovic, Novak
6-2, 6-4, 6-7(3), 6-1 Stats

2011 Wimbledon
Great Britain Grass F Djokovic, Novak
6-4, 6-1, 1-6, 6-3 Stats

2011 ATP World Tour Masters 1000 Rome
Italy Clay F Djokovic, Novak
6-4, 6-4 Stats

2011 ATP World Tour Masters 1000 Madrid
Spain Clay F Djokovic, Novak
7-5, 6-4 Stats

2011 ATP World Tour Masters 1000 Miami
FL, U.S.A. Hard F Djokovic, Novak
4-6, 6-3, 7-6(4) Stats

2011 ATP World Tour Masters 1000 Indian Wells
CA, U.S.A. Hard F Djokovic, Novak
4-6, 6-3, 6-2 Stats

2010 Barclays ATP World Tour Finals
London, England Hard RR Nadal, Rafael
7-5, 6-2 Stats

2010 US Open
NY, U.S.A. Hard F Nadal, Rafael
6-4, 5-7, 6-4, 6-2 Stats

2009 Barclays ATP World Tour Finals
London, England Hard RR Djokovic, Novak
7-6(5), 6-3 Stats

2009 ATP World Tour Masters 1000 Paris
France Hard S Djokovic, Novak
6-2, 6-3 Stats

2009 ATP World Tour Masters 1000 Cincinnati
OH, U.S.A. Hard S Djokovic, Novak
6-1, 6-4 Stats

2009 ATP World Tour Masters 1000 Madrid
Spain Clay S Nadal, Rafael
3-6, 7-6(5), 7-6(9) Stats

2009 ATP World Tour Masters 1000 Rome
Italy Clay F Nadal, Rafael
7-6(2), 6-2 Stats

2009 ATP World Tour Masters 1000 Monte Carlo
Monaco Clay F Nadal, Rafael
6-3, 2-6, 6-1 Stats

2009 ESP vs. SRB WG 1st RD
Spain Clay RR Nadal, Rafael
6-4, 6-4, 6-1

2008 Beijing Olympics
China Hard S Nadal, Rafael
6-4, 1-6, 6-4

2008 ATP Masters Series Cincinnati
OH, U.S.A. Hard S Djokovic, Novak
6-1, 7-5 Stats

2008 London / Queen's Club
Great Britain Grass F Nadal, Rafael
7-6(6), 7-5 Stats

2008 Roland Garros
France Clay S Nadal, Rafael
6-4, 6-2, 7-6(3) Stats

2008 ATP Masters Series Hamburg
Germany Clay S Nadal, Rafael
7-5, 2-6, 6-2 Stats

2008 ATP Masters Series Indian Wells
CA, U.S.A. Hard S Djokovic, Novak
6-3, 6-2 Stats

2007 Tennis Masters Cup
China Hard RR Nadal, Rafael
6-4, 6-4 Stats

2007 ATP Masters Series Canada
Montreal, Canada Hard S Djokovic, Novak
7-5, 6-3 Stats

2007 Wimbledon
Great Britain Grass S Nadal, Rafael
3-6, 6-1, 4-1 RET Stats

2007 Roland Garros
France Clay S Nadal, Rafael
7-5, 6-4, 6-2 Stats

2007 ATP Masters Series Rome
Italy Clay Q Nadal, Rafael
6-2, 6-3 Stats

2007 ATP Masters Series Miami
FL, U.S.A. Hard Q Djokovic, Novak
6-3, 6-4 Stats

2007 ATP Masters Series Indian Wells
CA, U.S.A. Hard F Nadal, Rafael
6-2, 7-5 Stats

2006 Roland Garros
France Clay Q Nadal, Rafael
6-4, 6-4 RET Stats

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Watch Australian Open 2012 Men's Singles Final Live Online

Defending champion and world #1 Novak Djokovic will be going against world #2 and 10-time grand slam champion Rafael Nadal for the Australian Open 2012 championship match. Nadal-Djokovic head to head stands at 16-13 in Nadal's favor, but it was Djokovic who defeated Nadal in five championship matches last year, including the finals at Wimbledon and the US Open. The Australian Open 2012 men's final live online coverage will start on January 29, Sunday 19.30 AEST. The live coverage at the Rod Laver Arena starts at 4.30 PM AEST with the mixed doubles final between the fifth-seeded team of Elena Vesnina (RUS) and Leander Paes (IND) and the eighth-seeded team of Bethanie Mattek-Sands (USA) and Horia Tecau (ROU).

Click on this link to start watching Djokovic vs Nadal Australian Open 2012 Final Live Online.

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Nadal Australian Open 2012 Prize Money Earnings

How much money will Rafael Nadal win for being the Australian Open 2012 singles runner-up? By losing to world #1 Novak Djokovic in the finals, Nadal takes home a check of AUS$1.15 million. This will be added to his current combined total career earnings of $45,114,407 won from his participation in both Singles & Doubles tournaments. He is currently #2 in the men's career prize money leaders behind Roger Federer and even if he out-earned Federer in this year's Australian Open, he will remain second behind Federer in the career prize money leader list. He has earned $7,603,218 for his singles tournament achievements in 2011 where he won the French Open title and finished runner-up at Wimbledon and the US Open. He ended 2011 ranked #2 behind Novak Djokovic.

Nadal - 2012 Prize Money Earnings

Doha, Qatar, Prize Money: $50,030
Australian Open, Australia, Prize Money: AUS$1,150,000

Nadal - 2011 Prize Money Earnings

Barclays ATP World Tour Finals, Great Britain, Prize Money: $240,000
ATP World Tour Masters 1000 Shanghai, Shanghai, China, Prize Money: $40,400
Tokyo, Japan; , Prize Money: $133,000
US Open, NY, U.S.A., Prize Money: $900,000
ATP World Tour Masters 1000 Cincinnati, OH, U.S.A., Prize Money: $62,240
ATP World Tour Masters 1000 Canada, Montreal, Canada, Prize Money: $16,375
Wimbledon, Great Britain, Prize Money: £550,000
London / Queen's Club, Great Britain, Prize Money: €15,000
Roland Garros, France, Prize Money: €1,200,000
ATP World Tour Masters 1000 Rome, Italy, Prize Money: €205,000
ATP World Tour Masters 1000 Madrid, Spain, Prize Money: €275,000
Barcelona, Spain, Prize Money: €290,000
ATP World Tour Masters 1000 Monte Carlo, Monaco, Prize Money: €438,000
ATP World Tour Masters 1000 Miami, FL, U.S.A., Prize Money: $298,200
ATP World Tour Masters 1000 Indian Wells, CA, U.S.A., Prize Money: $298,200
Australian Open, Australia, Prize Money: A$210,000
Doha, Qatar, Prize Money: $50,500

Figures above are the January 29, 2012 Update of Nadal's Prize Money Earnings

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Djokovic 2012 Prize Money Earnings

How much money will Novak Djokovic win for his Australian Open 2012 grand slam title? By beating Rafael Nadal in the Australian Open 2012 men's singles finals, Djokovic takes home a cool AUS$2.3 million. This will be added to Djokovic's total career prize money earnings of $32,882,760 won from his participation in both Singles & Doubles tournaments. He is currently #4 in the men's career prize money leaders behind Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Pete Sampras. He earned a record $12,595,903 in 2011 for his participation in singles tournaments - an exemplary year where he won three of four Grand Slam titles and ascended to #1 in the men's tennis rankings.

Djokovic - 2012 Prize Money Earnings

Australian Open, Australia, Prize Money: A$2,300,000

Djokovic - 2011 Prize Money Earnings

Barclays ATP World Tour Finals, , Prize Money: €55,500
Basel, Switzerland, Prize Money: €67,700
US Open, NY, U.S.A., Prize Money: $2,300,000
ATP World Tour Masters 1000 Cincinnati, OH, U.S.A., Prize Money: $243,200
ATP World Tour Masters 1000 Canada, Montreal, Canada, Prize Money: $450,000
Wimbledon, Great Britain, Prize Money: £1,100,000
Roland Garros, France, Prize Money: €300,000
ATP World Tour Masters 1000 Rome, Italy, Prize Money: €438,000
ATP World Tour Masters 1000 Madrid, Spain, Prize Money: €590,000
Belgrade, Serbia, Prize Money: €66,500
ATP World Tour Masters 1000 Miami, FL, U.S.A., Prize Money: $611,000
ATP World Tour Masters 1000 Indian Wells, CA, U.S.A., Prize Money: $611,000
Dubai, U.A.E., Prize Money: $386,000
Australian Open, Australia, Prize Money: A$2,200,000

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Watch Azarenka - Australian Open Champion Interview, Finals Highlights

Watch the Victoria Azarenka interview video after she won the Australian Open 2012. Watch Vika Azarenka press conference video after winning the the Australian Open 2012. Watch highlights video of the 2012 Australian Open 2012 women's final between Victoria Azarenka and Maria Sharapova. Watch Maria Sharapova press conference video after the Australian Open 2012 women's final. Videos are found at the Australian Open website.

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Watch Nadal vs Djokovic Australian Open 2012 Live Final Match Online

The championship match between world #1 Novak Djokovic and #2 Rafael Nadal will be streamed online on January 29, Sunday 19.30 AEST. The live coverage at the Rod Laver Arena starts at 4.30 PM AEST with the mixed doubles final between the fifth-seeded team of Elena Vesnina (RUS) and Leander Paes (IND) and the eighth-seeded team of Bethanie Mattek-Sands (USA) and Horia Tecau (ROU).

Click the photo above to start watching Australian Open 2012 Live Online Video Stream Coverage.

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Azarenka Victoria wins Australian Open 2012 for 1st Grand Slam

After a shaky first two games, Victoria Azarenka overpowered Russian world #4 Maria Sharapova to win the Australian Open 2012 women's singles title, and her first career grand slam title. Azarenka will now become the new #1-ranked player, the 21st player to reach that milestone and the first player, male or female, from Belarus to reach the top ranking. She earned AUS$2.3 million dollars for her victory pushing her career earnings total beyond $11 million.

In a highly anticipated contest, the match was expected to go the distance as both players were in top form heading in to the final. After Azarenka dropped the first two games to go down 0-2, she won twelve of the next thirteen games to win the title in 82 minutes. It was a very impressive victory for the Belorussian player who had a history of disappointing losses in Melbourne, and who was not previously known for her mental strength. She lost a couple of matches to Serena Williams in previous years despite a huge lead. In both years, Williams had gone on to win the title.

Azarenka had a 71% success in her first serves as compared to Sharapova. She had a good 14 winners to 12 unforced errors, while it was clearly the high unforced errors from Sharapova which kept the match from being competitive. The Russian had the same 14 winners as Azarenka, but committed more than twice as many errors with 30. Azarenka also controlled the net winning 7 of 8 net approaches. She broke Sharapova 5 times, and was only broken once. She took advantage of Sharapova's weak second serve to win 14 of 17 points. Sharapova's return, which was very effective against previous opponents did not do much damage against Azarenka. Azarenka won 68% of her first serve points, and also a majority of her second serve points at 53%. Azarenka controlled most of the rallies that went more than three shots, with majority of the points ending in a Sharapova error.

It was another Australian Open final disappointment for Sharapova. The runaway score where she won three games is the same as the number of games she won when she lost to Serena Williams in 2007. Sharapova should still be pleased with her performance here and in her progress in the past 24 months. She also reached the final at Wimbledon before losing to Petra Kvitova. She will be ranked at #3 when the new rankings will be released on January 30 behind Azarenka and Kvitova.

Azarenka remains unbeaten this year and is enjoying a 12-match winning streak. She also won the warm-up tournament at Sydney and is expected to be a force to reckon with in the next few months as she has previously shown that she is a very good hard court player. Despite playing in her first grand slam final and was the far less experienced player against the three time Grand Slam champion, Azarenka went into the match with full confidence as she has beaten Sharapova soundly in their previous 2 hard court matches. It the end, there was not much Sharapova could do to derail the inevitable. Victoria Azarenka has fulfilled her potential, won her first grand slam title, and is now the top-ranked women's tennis player.

Related Links:

Victoria Azarenka Australian Open Finals Interview
Maria Sharapova Australian Open Finals Interview

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Sharapova 2012 Prize Money Earnings

How much money did Maria Sharapova win for her Australian Open 2012 achievement? As a finalist, she is guaranteed to go home with a check for AUS$1.15 million. If she wins the title by beating world #3 Victoria Azarenka, she will take home AUS$2.3 million. This will be added to her current career total prize money of $$16,643,327. She currently occupies the 10th place in women's tennis career prize money leaders. She is guaranteed to dislodge Spanish legend Arantxa Sanchez-Vicario who is currently in 9th place. Sanchez-Vicario is ahead of Sharapova by less than $300K before the start of the Australian Open 2012.

Maria Sharapova - 2011 Prize Money Earnings

AUCKLAND PRIZE MONEY: $5,340
AUSTRALIAN OPEN PRIZE MONEY: $90,575
FED CUP WEEK 1 PRIZE MONEY: $0
INDIAN WELLS PRIZE MONEY: $150,000
MIAMI PRIZE MONEY: $350,000
MADRID PRIZE MONEY: $38,517
ROME PRIZE MONEY: $360,000
FRENCH OPEN PRIZE MONEY: $411,693
WIMBLEDON PRIZE MONEY: $880,000
STANFORD PRIZE MONEY: $17,300
TORONTO PRIZE MONEY: $20,550
CINCINNATI PRIZE MONEY: $360,000
US OPEN PRIZE MONEY: $63,723
TOKYO - PAN PACIFIC PRIZE MONEY: $41,450
WTA CHAMPIONSHIPS PRIZE MONEY: $110,000

Related Link: Sharapova wins Rome 2012 title again, earns $385K in Prize Money

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Victoria Azarenka - Prize Money Earnings

How much money did Victoria Azarenka win for her Australian Open 2012 achievement? By beating Maria Sharapova, she takes home AUS$2.3 million. This will be added to her current career total prize money of $9,040,357. She currently occupies the 25th place in women's tennis career prize money leaders. With her first grand slam title, she will go past the $11 million mark and into the top 20 of the prize money leaders list.

Victoria Azarenka - 2012 Prize Money Earnings

SYDNEY, Prize Money: $107,000
AUSTRALIAN OPEN, Prize Money: $2,400,000


Victoria Azarenka - 2011 Prize Money Earnings
SYDNEY, Prize Money: $15,675
AUSTRALIAN OPEN, Prize Money: $90,575
DUBAI, Prize Money: $20,550
DOHA, Prize Money: $5,200
INDIAN WELLS, Prize Money: $64,700
MIAMI, Prize Money: $700,000
MARBELLA, Prize Money: $37,000
STUTTGART, Prize Money: $9,525
MADRID, Prize Money: $434,194
ROME, Prize Money: $41,450
FRENCH OPEN, Prize Money: $205,847
EASTBOURNE, Prize Money: $15,300
WIMBLEDON, Prize Money: $440,000
STANFORD, Prize Money: $9,525
TORONTO, Prize Money: $90,000
US OPEN, Prize Money: $53,723
TOKYO - PAN PACIFIC, Prize Money: $90,000
BEIJING, Prize Money: $37,225
LUXEMBOURG, Prize Money: $37,000
WTA CHAMPIONSHIPS, Prize Money: $775,000

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Australian Open 2012 Winners, Prize Money

The list of Australian Open 2012 winners will be finalized at the end of the tournament on Sunday, January 29. The five major championships to be contested are the men's singles, women's singles, men's doubles, women's doubles and mixed doubles competition.

Australian Open 2012 Men's Singles Champion: Novak Djokovic (#1)

01/29 Update: Djokovic beats Nadal 5-7 6-4 6-2 6-7 7-5. Djokovic wins AUS$2.3 million. Nadal wins AUS$1.15 million.

01/27 Update: The winner will be determined on January 29 when world #1 Novak Djokovic meets world #2 Rafael Nadal. The rivals have met in the previous two grand slam finals in Wimbledon and the US Open with Djokovic emerging as the victor in both encounters. The winner will take home AUS$2.3 million while the runner-up will take home AUS$1.15 million.

Australian Open 2012 Women's Singles Champion: Victoria Azarenka (#3)

01/28 Update: Azarenka beats Sharapova 6-3 6-0. Sharapova wins AUS$2.3 million. Azarenka wins AUS$1.15 million.

01/27 Update: World #3 Victoria Azarenka won her first grand slam title by overwhelming #4 Maria Sharapova. Azarenka will now take over the WTA tour #1 ranking when the rankings will be released on January 30. Sharapova lost her second grand slam title in the past 12 months, she also lost to Petra Kvitova at Wimbledon. Her last grand slam title win was in Melbourne in 2008. Azarenka takes home AUS$2.3 million while Sharapova will pick-up the runner up check of AUS$1.15 million.

Australian Open 2012 Men's Doubles Champion: Leander Paes and Radek Stepanek (unseeded)

01/28 Update: Paes and Stepanek beats B. Bryan and M. Bryan, 7-6 6-2.

01/27 Update: The #1 team of Bob and Mike Bryan (USA) will take on the unseeded pair of Leander Paes (IND) and Radek Stepanek (CZE). Both teams won their semifinal matches in three hard fought sets. Paes and Stepanek eliminated the second seeded team of Max Mirnyi (BLR) and Daniel Nestor (CAN). The PRIZE Money for the Australian Open Men's doubles champions will be AUS$454,500. The runner-up will take home AUS$227,250.

Australian Open 2012 Women's Doubles Champion: Svetlana Kuznetsova and Vera Zvonareva (unseeded)

01/27 Update: The unseeded yet high profile Russian team of Svetlana Kuznetsova and Vera Zvonareva beat the 11th seeded Italian pair of Sara Errani and Roberta Vinci, 5-7 6-4 6-3. Kuznetsova and Zvonareva are accomplished singles players, both having been ranked as high as #2 in singles. The PRIZE Money for the Australian Open women's doubles champions is AUS$454,500. The runner-up takes home AUS$227,250.


Australian Open 2012 Mixed Doubles Champion: Bethanie Mattek-Sands and Horia Tecau (#8)

01/29 Update: Mattek-Sands and Tecau beats Vesnina and Paes 6-3 5-7 10-3.

01/27 Update: The #5 team of Elena Vesnina (RUS) and Leander Paes (IND) will be going against the #8 team of Bethanie Mattek-Sands (USA) and Horia Tecau (ROU). Vesnina and Paes beat the Italian team of Roberta Vinci and Daniele Bracialli in three sets to reach the finals. Mattek-Sands and Tecau had a straight set victory over the Indian pair of Sania Mirza and Mahesh Bhupathi. The PRIZE Money for the Australian Open mixed doubles champions will be AUS$135,500. The runner-up will take home AUS$67,500.

Australian Open 2012 Junior Boys' Singles Champion:
#1 Luke Saville (AUS) beat Filip Peliwo (CAN) 6-3 5-7 6-4

Australian Open 2012 Junior Girls' Singles Champion:
#14 Taylor Townsend (USA) beat #4 Yulia Putintseva (RUS) 6-1 3-6 6-3

Australian Open 2012 Junior Boys' Doubles Champion:
#6 Liam Broady (GBR) and Joshua Ward-Hibbert (GBR) beat Adam Pavlasek (CZE) and Filip Veger (CRO) 6-3 6-2

Australian Open 2012 Junior Girls' Doubles Champion:
Gabrielle Andrews (USA) and Taylor Townsend (USA) beat #1 Irina Kromacheva (RUS) and Danka Kovinic (MEN) 5-7 7-5 10-6

NOTE: The Australian Open 2012 prize money for the junior boys' champion and the junior girls' champion is AUS$0.

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Australian Open 2012 TV Coverage - Men and Women's Final

Watch the Australian Open men's and women's singles final matches on TV. In the women's side, world #3 Victoria Azarenka meets world #4 Maria Sharapova for the 2012 Australian Open women's singles championship match. The winner will rise to the WTA tour #1 ranking on Monday, Jan 30. In the men's side, world #1 Novak Djokovic will battle world #2 Rafael Nadal. It will be the third consecutive grand slam final that the two rivals have faced each other with Djokovic winning the past two grand slam titles in Wimbledon and US Open.

Australian Open 2012 TV Coverage - Men and Women's Final, Australia TV Coverage

SATURDAY JANUARY 28 (WOMEN’S FINAL)
6.30pm – 10.30pm COP LIVE in Sydney and Melbourne on Channel 7
6.30pm – 9.30pm COP LIVE in Brisbane on Channel 7
7pm – 10pm COP LIVE in Adelaide on Channel 7
4.30pm – 7.30pm COP in Perth on Channel 7

SUNDAY JANUARY 29 (MEN’S FINAL)
4pm – 6pm, 6.30pm – 10.30pm COP LIVE in Sydney and Melbourne on Channel 7
3pm – 5pm, 6.30pm 10.30pm COP LIVE in Brisbane on Channel 7
3.30pm – 5.30pm, 7pm – 10pm COP LIVE in Adelaide on Channel 7
1pm – 3pm, 4.30pm – 7.30pm COP LIVE in Perth on Channel 7

Australian Open 2012 TV Coverage - Men and Women's Final, US TV Coverage

Sat, Jan. 28 – Australian Open Day 14
5:30 am Australian Open : Men’s Dbl Final (LIVE) – Tennis Channel
7:30 am Australian Open : Women’s Dbl Final – Tennis Channel
9:00 – 11:00 am Women’s Final – reair – ESPN2HD
11:00 am Australian Open : Men’s Dbls Final & Men’s Semis – Tennis Channel
10 pm Women’s Final – reair – ESPN2HD
3:00 – 6:30 am Men’s Final – LIVE – ESPN2HD
8:00 pm Australian Open : Women’s Final – Tennis Channel

Sun, Jan 29 – Australian Open Day 15
12:30 am Australian Open : Mixed Doubles Final (LIVE) – Tennis Channel
7:00 am Australian Open : Women’s Final – Tennis Channel
9:00 am – 1:00 pm Men’s Final – reair – ESPN2HD
1:00 pm Australian Open : Men’s Final – Tennis Channel
5:00 pm Australian Open : Men’s Final – Tennis Channel
9:00 pm Men’s Final – reair – ESPN2HD

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Watch Sharapova vs Azarenka Australian Open 2012 Live Final Match Online

The championship match between former world #1 and 3-time Grand Slam winner Maria Sharapova and world #3 Victoria Azarenka will be streamed online on January 28 19.30 AEST. The live coverage at the Rod Laver Arena starts at 1.00 PM AEST with the junior girls singles’ finals between #14 Taylor Townsend (USA) and #4 Yulia Putintseva (RUS). This will be followed by the junior boys’ singles finals between #1 Luke Saville (AUS) and unseeded Filip Peliwo (CAN). The women’s singles finals between Sharapova and Azarenka will be followed by the men’s doubles finals. The #1 team of Bob Bryan (USA) and Mike Bryan (USA) will be going for a record sixth Australian Open title against the unseeded team of Leander Paes (IND) and Radek Stepanek (CZE).

Click the photo above to start watching Australian Open 2012 Live Online Video Stream Coverage.

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Azarenka vs Sharapova: who will win Australian Open 2012?

After winning three-set semifinal matches against recent Grand Slam winners, world #3 Victoria Azarenka of Belarus and world #4 Maria Sharapova of Russia set-up a promising Australian Open final that will determine who will be the next world #1 in women's tennis. Azarenka beat defending champion Kim Clijsters to reach her first ever grand slam final while Sharapova avenged a Wimbledon final loss to Petra Kvitova to reach her second grand slam final in the past 7 months. The two have met six times before, and they have split their past matches winning three matches each. Though Azarenka beat Sharapova in Moscow in 2007 for their first match, it was Sharapova who won their last meeting in Rome last spring after Azarenka retired in the second set after winning the first set. Azarenka however must fancy her chances heading into the championship match as she has beaten Sharapova handily in their past two matches in hardcourt - in the 2010 Stanford final, and also, in the 2011 Miami final.

As an added bonus, the champion of this year's Australian Open will ascend to the #1 ranking replacing Caroline Wozniacki. If current world #3 Azarenka wins the title, she will become the first player in rankings history to become #1 without having previously ever been #2 (not counting Chris Evert, who was No.1 when the rankings debuted on November 3, 1975). She would be the first Belarusian to hold the top spot and the 21st player to become #1 since 1975. Sharapova was the first Russian #1 when she ascended to the position on August 22, 2005. She has spent a total of 17 weeks in the top spot, having gained the top ranking four times previously. The last time Sharapova was #1 was in June 2008.

Sharapova is two years older than Azarenka and undoubtedly had more achievements over her next opponent. She has won 24 titles and earned $16.6 million for a career that started in 2002. Amongst those 24 titles are grand slam titles she won in Wimbledon 2004, US Open 2006, and Australian Open 2008. Azarenka has won 9 titles so far and earned $9 million since she started playing professionally in 2004. While Azarenka may not compare well against Sharapova in terms of career achievements so far, she has definitely been the more consistent player in the past 3 years ranking ahead of the Russian in the year end rankings of 2009, 2010, and 2011. She has won all her 9 titles since 2009 while Sharapova earned 5 titles within that period.

In their paths to the finals, both women played two straight setters. Sharapova triumphed over Sabine Lisicki in the fourth round despite losing the first set, and she lost the second set in her semifinal win over Kvitova. Azarenka has played consecutive two-hour matches in her past 2 wins. She lost the first set against Radwanska in the quarterfinals and lost the second set against Clijsters in the semifinals. Both players will be battle ready when they take to the court on Saturday.

Sharapova has an edge in experience but Azarenka will fulfill her potential and will win her first major and reach the #1 ranking for the first time in her career. Below is the head to head match-up between Sharapova and Azarenka:

Match #1: 2007 MOSCOW CARPETR
V.Azarenka won 7-6(9) 6-2

Match #2: 2009 LOS ANGELES HARD
M. Sharapova won 6-7(4) 6-4 6-2

Match #3: 2009 BEIJING HARD
M. Sharapova won 6-3 6-7(5) 7-5

Match #4: 2010 STANFORD HARD
V.Azarenka won 6-4 6-1

Match #5: 2011 MIAMI HARD
V.Azarenka won 6-1 6-4

Match #6: 2011 ROME CLAY
M. Sharapova won 4-6 3-0 RETIRED

Road to the Final – Victoria Azarenka
First Round: d. Heather Watson, 61 60 (0:59)
Second Round: d. Casey Dellacqua, 61 60 (0:57)
Third Round: d. Mona Bathel, 62 64 (1:28)
Fourth Round: d. Iveta Benesova, 62 62 (1:17)
Quarterfinals: d. Agnieszka Radwanska, 67 60 62 (2:01)
Semifinals: d. Kim Clijsters, 64 16 63 (2:12)

Road to the Final – Maria Sharapova
First Round: d. Gisela Dulko, 60 61 (0:58)
Second Round: d. Jamie Hampton, 60 61 (1:04)
Third Round: d. Angelique Kerber, 61 62 (1:27)
Fourth Round: d. Sabine Lisicki, 36 62 63 (2:15)
Quarterfinals: d. Ekaterina Makarova, 62 63 (1:27)
Semifinals: d. Petra Kvitova, 62 36 64 (2:12)

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Murray vs Djokovic - who will face Nadal?

When world #1 Novak Djokovic of Serbia faces world #4 Andy Murray of Great Britain, it will mark the 11th time that the two friends will be facing each other after both turned professional. Both are 24 years old, with Murray born a week earlier than Djokovic. They are hitting partners and play football together. They have known each other since before they were teens, playing against each other for the first time in a junior tournament in France. In recent Grand Slam history, both have reached the semifinals or better in the past 5 grand slams. However, the similarities end there. While Djokovic has won the Australian Open, Wimbledon and the US Open in 2011 to up his grand slam titles to four, Murray has still to win one grand slam title.

Djokovic leads their head-to-head match-up 6-4, but Murray won their last encounter. This was at the finals of the ATP World Tour Masters in Cincinnati last August when Djokovic retired while trailing 4-6, 0-3. This would mark Djokovic's second loss for 2011. Both players have played remarkably in the earlier rounds of this year's Australian Open. However, it is difficult to see Murray overcoming Djokovic at this time. I think the defending champion will beat Murray in a tight 4-setter and move on to his third straight championship match against world #2 Rafael Nadal.

Below is a history of the matches between Murray and Djokovic:

Match #10:
2011 ATP World Tour Masters 1000 Cincinnati
OH, U.S.A. Hard F
Murray, Andy won 6-4, 3-0 RETIRED

Match #9:
2011 ATP World Tour Masters 1000 Rome
Italy Clay S
Djokovic, Novak won 6-1, 3-6, 7-6(2)

Match #8:
2011 Australian Open
Australia Hard F
Djokovic, Novak won 6-4, 6-2, 6-3

Match #7:
2009 ATP World Tour Masters 1000 Miami
FL, U.S.A. Hard F
Murray, Andy won 6-2, 7-5

Match #6:
2008 ATP Masters Series Cincinnati
OH, U.S.A. Hard F
Murray, Andy won 7-6(4), 7-6(5)

Match #5:
2008 ATP Masters Series Canada
Toronto, Canada Hard Q
Murray, Andy won 6-3, 7-6(3)

Match #4:
2008 ATP Masters Series Monte Carlo
Monaco Clay R16
Djokovic, Novak won 6-0, 6-4

Match #3:
2007 ATP Masters Series Miami
FL, U.S.A. Hard S
Djokovic, Novak won 6-1, 6-0

Match #2:
2007 ATP Masters Series Indian Wells
CA, U.S.A. Hard S
Djokovic, Novak won 6-2, 6-3

Match #1:
2006 ATP Masters Series Madrid
Spain Hard R16
Djokovic, Novak won 1-6, 7-5, 6-3

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New WTA Tour #1: Sharapova or Azarenka?

There will be a new women’s tennis world #1 when the WTA rankings will be released on Monday, January 30, 2012. Caroline Wozniacki was dislodged from her current #1 spot when she lost to defending champion Kim Clijsters at the quarterfinal stage of this year’s Australian Open. After her loss, there were three possible players who could replace her - #2 Petra Kvitova, #3 Victoria Azarenka, and #4 Maria Sharapova.

With the completion of the semifinal round, only Azarenka and Sharapova has a chance to ascend to the top position. Azarenka will be competing for her first grand slam title in her first trip to a grand slam championship match. Sharapova on the other hand will be competing for her fourth Grand Slam title, and first after she won in Melbourne four years ago.

Ranking Projections:

With only the championship match remaining in the first Grand Slam of the year, Wozniacki is certain to drop to the #4 ranking. The final ranking of Azarenka, Sharapova, and Kvitova will depend on who will win the Australian Open finals. Here are the possible scenarios.

Azarenka Win:
#1. Azarenka – 8585
#2. Kvitova – 7690
#3. Sharapova – 7560
#4. Wozniacki – 7085

Sharapova Win:
#1. Sharapova – 8160
#2. Azarenka – 7985
#3. Kvitova – 7690
#4. Wozniacki – 7085

If Azarenka wins, it will mark the first time that a tennis player from Belarus, male or female, has achieved the top tennis ranking. Sharapova has held the top ranking four times before, the last time being on June 8, 2008 after she surrendered the #1 to Ana Ivanovic. She spent a total of 17 weeks in the top position.

Regardless of the outcome, the new #1 will mark the first time in almost a year that the #1 player will be a defending Grand Slam champion. The last time this happened was when Clijsters ascended to the #1 position on February 14, 2011 and held the position for one week. Wozniacki has been heavily criticized for being #1 without winning a single Grand Slam. She took over from Clijsters as world #1 on February 20, 2011. She has held the #1 ranking for a total of 67 weeks.

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Australian Open 2012 Tennis Prize Money Breakdown

The Australian Open 2012 prize money rewards the Men's and Women's Singles champions with AUS$2.3 million each. The losing finalists will each take home AUS$1.15 million. This is a hefty reward for a two-week effort playing 7 tennis matches.

Serena Williams, the top earning women's athlete (not just in tennis) of all time will not have a chance to vie for the top prize this year as she was eliminated in the fourth round. So is current world #1 Caroline Wozniacki. Still in the hunt for the top prize is last year’s champion Kim Clijsters of Belgium. Clijsters eliminated Wozniacki in straight sets in the quarterfinals.

In the men’s event, Roger Federer, the top earning men’s tennis player of all time is through to the semifinals and has still a shot of winning the top Australian Open prize money. He will be battling against Rafael Nadal in the semifinals. World #1 and defending champion Novak Djokovic is also still in the hunt as he reached the quarterfinals and will be looking to advance to the semifinals by beating David Ferrer.

Below is a list of Australian Open prize money for the men’s and women’s singles tournament.

1st Round $20,000
2nd Round $33,300
3rd Round $54,625
4th Round $109,250
Quarter finalist $218,500
Semi finalist $437,000
Runners-up $1,150,000
Winners $2,300,000

For the doubles competition, the Australian Open Men's and Women's Doubles champion teams will each earn AUS$454,500. The finalist teams will earn AUS$227,250. This indicates that being a doubles team champion will be more profitable than reaching the quarterfinal stage in the singles tournament.

Below is a list of Australian Open prize money for the men’s and women’s double tournament.

1st Round $9,600
2nd Round $17,200
3rd Round $31,500
Quarter finalist $56,000
Semi finalist $113,000
Runners-up $227,250
Winners $454,500

For the mixed doubles competition, the Australian Open mix doubles champion team will earn AUS$135,500. The finalist teams will earn AUS$67,500. This indicates that being a mixed doubles champion will be more profitable than reaching the third round in the singles tournament.

Below is a list of Australian Open prize money for the mixed doubles tournament.
1st Round $3,800
2nd Round $7,800
Quarter finalist $15,500
Semi finalist $33,900
Runners-up $67,500
Winners $135,500

The Australian Open prize money information is found at www.australianopen.org.

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