Victoria Azarenka successfully defended her Australian Open title - and retained the number one world ranking - after hitting back to beat a battered and bruised Li Na in three sets. A final low on quality but high on drama was claimed by the Belarusian 4-6 6-4 6-3 as Li's hopes of becoming the first Asian player to win in Melbourne were dashed. Twice the Chinese had to call for the trainer - the first time after going over on her ankle midway through the second set and again after tumbling in the first point after play resumed following a third-set stoppage for a nearby firework display. Roared on by a partisan crowd, she battled on bravely but, despite her best efforts, she was unable to prevent Azarenka from claiming the trophy and hold off Serena Williams at the rankings summit. | 
