World No. 1 Victoria Azarenka broke down in tears after beating Li Na 4-6 6-4 6-3 in an incident-packed final of the Australian Open in Melbourne.
(CNN) -- A tearful Victoria Azarenka retained her Australian Open title and world No. 1 ranking after overcoming crowd favorite Li Na in a dramatic women's final on Saturday.
The 23-year-old broke down as she celebrated her second grand slam title, denying her Chinese opponent her second after coming from behind to triumph 4-6 6-4 6-3 and claim the $2 million first prize.
The Belorussian went into the match having upset local fans after taking a controversial 10-minute medical break during a key point of her semifinal win over American teen Sloane Stephens, but this time she was forced to wait as Li twice had to receive lengthy treatment.
The match was also interrupted in the deciding set by a break for the traditional Australia Day fireworks.
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Novak Djokovic of Serbia celebrates winning the men's singles final match against Andy Murray of Great Britain at the Australian Open in Melbourne on Sunday, January 27. Djokovic won 6-7 (2), 7-6 (3), 6-3, 6-2.
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"It's been a real long two weeks," Azarenka said on-court after winning in two hours and 40 minutes. "I will always keep very special memories of this court. It will be in my heart forever."
Li, the losing finalist in 2011, raced to a 5-2 lead in the opening set as she made a strong bid to add to her French Open title that same year -- a breakthrough win that made her the first Asian female to win a grand slam singles title.
However, she was unable to show the same control that had allowed her to thrash world No. 2 Maria Sharapova in straight sets in the semifinals.
Azarenka led 3-0 in the second set, then sixth-ranked Li went over on her ankle after winning the next game.
It looked like it might bring the final to a premature end but the 30-year-old got back on court after having her foot strapped and reduced the deficit further.
However, Azarenka rallied to take the set and then broke Li's serve to lead 1-0 in the third set.
Li broke back and then led 2-1 before the fireworks started in celebration of 225 years since the first fleet of colonists arrived from the UK.
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It was an inopportune break for Li, who again went over on her ankle and banged her head on the court as she tried to protect her damaged foot.
American teenager Sloane Stephens stunned Serena Williams on Wednesday, January 23, beating the 15-time grand slam winner 3-6, 7-5, 6-4 to reach the Australian Open semifinals. It was an unlikely victory for the 19-year-old tennis pro.
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"For two seconds I couldn't really see anything. It was totally black," she told reporters.
"So when the physio come, she was like, 'Focus on my finger.' I started laughing. I was thinking, 'This is a tennis court, not a hospital.' She was like, 'Follow my finger,' because I didn't follow. I just watched the eyes. She says, 'Follow.' I say, 'Why? I'm okay.' "
Li was unable to maintain momentum and Azarenka broke her serve to lead 3-2 -- the 15th break in just 27 games of an error-strewn match -- and went on to clinch the victory that denied Serena Williams a return to the No. 1 spot.
Her more consistent approach paid off as Li paid for making 57 unforced errors to 27 despite making 36 winners to Azarenka's 18.
"It's a completely different mix of feelings. This one is way more emotional," said Azarenka, who last year topped the WTA Tour money list with more than $7 million.
"Li Na was absolutely playing great tennis. Unfortunate things that happened to her, you know, but that's sport.
"I'm just happy that everything I went through, you know, I still could manage to give my best and really come out there and try to focus on my game and play tennis that I can produce."
Meanwhile, Americans Bob and Mike Bryan won a record 13th men's grand slam doubles title on Saturday, thrashing Dutchmen Robin Haase and Igor Sijsling in Melbourne.
The twin brothers moved past the 12 won by the Australian pair John Newcombe and Tony Roche in the 1960s and 1970s as they triumphed 6-3 6-4 in less than an hour.
The 34-year-olds, who won the Olympic title last year, have now played in 23 grand slam finals.
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However, she regained her composure to celebrate her second grand slam title, thanking the crowd for the second year in a row after retaining her title and the world No. 1 ranking.
Li, the 2011 runner-up, was able to smile despite a difficult match in which she twice needed on-court treatment and was also disrupted by a break for Australia Day fireworks when 2-1 ahead in the final set.
Li, the first Asian to win a women's singles grand slam title when she triumphed at the 2011 French Open, needed to have her foot strapped up after twisting her ankle at 3-1 down in the second set.
The 30-year-old also needed treatment in the deciding set, when she went over on her ankle again and then hit her head on the court.
Li was the strong crowd favorite, with many fans unhappy with Azarenka after she took a controversial medical timeout during her semifinal win over U.S. teen Sloane Stephens.
But Azarenka did have some support -- her boyfriend Stefan "Redfoo" Gordy (center), the son of Motown Records founder Berry Gordy and a pop star in his own right as a member of the band LMFAO.
Djokovic holds the Norman Brookes Challenge Cup on January 27.
Djokovic hits a return against Murray on January 27.
Djokovic plays a backhand on January 27.
Murray plays a backhand against Djokovic on January 27.
Djokovic serves to Murray at Melbourne Park on January 27.
Murray reacts to a point on January 27.
Murray wipes his face during his men's final match against Djokovic on January 27.
Murray receives medical attention to his foot on January 27.
Crowds cheer during the men's singles final match on January 27.
Djokovic plays a forehand on January 27.
Djokovic plays a smash forehand on January 27.
Murray plays a backhand on January 27.
Murray plays a backhand against Djokovic on January 27.
Four-time Australian Open men's singles champion Andre Agassi carries the Norman Brookes Challenge Cup before the men's final match on January 27.
Murray plays a forehand on January 27.
Victoria Azarenka of Belarus poses with the winner's trophy after defending her Australian Open title on Saturday, January 26. Azarenka defeated Na Li of China 4-6, 6-4, 6-3.
Victoria Azarenka of Belarus celebrates winning her women's final match.
Li Na plays a forehand in her women's final match against Belarus Azarenka.
Belarus Azarenka hits a return during the women's final, which she won 4-6 6-4 6-3.
Li Na falls for the second time during her women's final match.
Benlarus Azarenka reaches for a forehand during Saturday's final.
Li Na rips a forehand Saturday. Li was also a finalist in the 2011 Australian Open.
Belarus Azarenka, who retained her world No. 1 ranking, serves in Saturday's final.
Mike Bryan, left, and his brother, Bob Bryan, of the U.S. celebrate after their victory over the Netherlands' Robin Haase and Igor Sibling during the men's doubles final January 26.
Robin Haase plays a forehand in Saturday's doubles match against the Bryan brothers.
Bob Bryan reaches for an overhead in the men's doubles final.
Nick Kyrgios of Australia serves in his junior boys' final match against Thanasi Kokkinakis of Australia on January 26. Kyrgios captured the boys singles title in straight sets.
Stephane Houdet of France plays a forehand in his men's wheelchair singles final match on January 26 against Shingo Kunieda of Japan. Kunieda won 6-2 6-0.
Sabine Ellerbrock of Germany plays a backhand in her wheelchair singles final against Aniek Van Koot of the Netherlands on January 26. Van Koot took the title with a 6-1 1-6 7-5 victory.
Katerina Siniakova of the Czech Republic plays a forehand in her junior girls' final match against Ana Konjuh of Croatia on Saturday. Konjuh won the championship 6-4 6-4.
Andy Murray of Great Britain plays a backhand in his semifinal match against Roger Federer of Switzerland on January 25. Murray defeated Federer 6-4, 6-7 (5-7), 6-3, 6-7 (2-7), 6-2.
Ashley Barty of Australia, right, watches as compatriot Casey Dellacqua plays a return during their women's doubles final against Sara Errani and Roberta Vinci of Italy on day 12 of the Australian Open in Melbourne on Friday, January 25. The Italian pair beat Barty and Dellacqua 6-2, 3-6, 6-2.
Na Li of China pauses during a news conference on January 25.
Sara Errani and Roberta Vinci of Italy celebrate winning their final doubles match against Ashleigh Barty and Casey Dellacqua of Australia on January 25.
A supporter of Britain's Andy Murray watches during his men's singles semifinal match against Switzerland's Roger Federer on January 25.
Andy Murray of Great Britain plays a backhand on January 25.
Roger Federer of Switzerland plays a backhand on January 25.
Italy's Roberta Vinci, left, and Sara Errani pose with the winner's trophy after their victory over Australia's Ashleigh Barty and Casey Dellacqua on January 25.
Andy Murray of Great Britain takes a breather in his semifinal match against Roger Federer of Switzerland on January 25.
Andy Murray of Great Britain and Roger Federer of Switzerland play their semifinal match in Rod Laver Arena on January 25.
Roger Federer of Switzerland plays a semifinal match against Andy Murray of Great Britain on January 25.
Roger Federer hits a return on January 25.
Andy Murray of Great Britain plays a forehand on January 25.
Novak Djokovic of Serbia celebrates winning his semifinal match against David Ferrer of Spain during the Australian Open in Melbourne on Thursday, January 24. Djokovic won 6-2, 6-2, 6-1.
Djokovic signs autographs for fans on January 24.
Sloane Stephens of the U.S. reacts during her women's singles semifinal match against Victoria Azarenka of Belarus on January 24. Azarenka won 6-1, 6-4.
Na Li of China plays a forehand in her semifinal match against Maria Sharapova of Russia on January 24. Li won 6-2, 6-2.
A tennis fan sits in the stands during Day 11 of the Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 24.
Li plays a forehand on January 24.
Sharapova plays a return against Li on January 24.
Ferrer plays a backhand on January 24.
Stephens plays a return against Azarenka on January 24.
Djokovic reacts after a point against Ferrer on January 24.
Fans watch the men's semifinal match between Ferrer and Djokovic on January 24.
Azarenka plays a forehand against Stephens on January 24.
Brothers Bob, left, and Mike Bryan battle Simone Bolelli and Fabio Fognini of Italy in a doubles semifinal match on January 24. The brothers won 6-4, 4-6, 6-1.
Stephens plays a return on January 24.
Ferrer plays a backhand against Djokovic on January 24.
Djokovic plays a backhand against Ferrer on January 24.
Stephens pauses during her match against Azarenka on January 24.
Sloane Stephens of the U.S. celebrates after beating compatriot Serena Williams, who was favored to win the tournament, during their women's singles match on Day 10 of the 2013 Australian Open in Melbourne on Wednesday, January 23. Stephens won 3-6, 7-5, 6-4.
Stephens plays a backhand in her quarterfinal match against Williams on January 23.
Williams stares down the ball during her match on January 23 against Stephens.
Williams broke her racket while playing Stephens on January 23.
Williams stretches across the court on January 23.
Italy's Sara Errani plays a backhand in her women's doubles quarterfinal match with compatriot Roberta Vinci against Ekaterina Makarova and Elena Vesnina of Russia on January 23. Errani and Vinci won 6-2, 6-4.
France's Jeremy Chardy hits a return against Britain's Andy Murray during their men's singles match on January 23. Murray defeated Chardy 6-4, 6-1, 6-2.
Murray celebrates beating Chardy on January 23.
France's Jo-Wilfried Tsonga scoops up a return to Switzerland's Roger Federer during their men's singles match on January 23. Federer defeated Tsonga 7-6 (4), 4-6, 7-6 (4), 3-6, 6-3.
Federer plays a backhand to Tsonga on January 23.
Victoria Azarenka of Belarus hits a return against Russia's Svetlana Kuznetsova on January 23. Azarenka defeated Kuznetsova 7-5, 6-1.
Kuznetsova serves during her match against Azarenka on January 23.
Azarenka receives a towel during her match on January 23.
Novak Djokovic of Serbia stretches for the ball in his quarterfinal match against Tomas Berdych of the Czech Republic on Tuesday, January 22. Djokovic won 6-1, 4-6, 6-1, 6-4.
Fans watch Djokovic and Berdych play on January 22.
Berdych plays a backhand in his match against Djokovic on January 22.
Spain's David Ferrer watches the ball during his men's singles match against compatriot Nicolas Almagro on January 22. Ferrer defeated Almagro 4-6, 4-6, 7-5, 7-6 (4), 6-2.
Almagro reaches to smash the ball while playing Ferrer on January 22.
Na Li of China hits a return against Agnieszka Radwanska of Poland in their quarterfinal match on January 22. Li won 7-5, 6-3.
Radwanska stretches for a forehand while playing Li on January 22.
Li serves in her match against Radwanska on January 22.
Russian Maria Sharapova plays a forehand in her quarterfinal match against fellow Russian Ekaterina Makarova on January 22. Sharapova won 6-2, 6-2.
Makarova goes airborne in her match against Sharapova on January 22.
American Serena Williams hits a return against Russia's Maria Kirilenko during their women's singles match on Day Eight on Monday, January 21. Williams won 6-2, 6-0.
Kirilenko plays a backhand against Williams on January 21.
Jo-Wilfried Tsonga of France celebrates winning his fourth-round match against fellow French player Richard Gasquet on January 21. The final score was 6-4, 3-6, 6-3, 6-2.
American Sloane Stephens makes a return against Bojana Jovanovski of Serbia on January 21. Stephens defeated Jovanovski 6-1, 3-6, 7-5.
Bojana Jovanovski serves to Sloane Stephens on January 21.
Roger Federer of Switzerland serves in his fourth-round match against Canadian Milos Raonic on January 21. Federer won 6-4, 7-6(4), 6-2.
Svetlana Kuznetsova of Russia hits a backhand in her fourth-round match against Caroline Wozniacki of Denmark on January 21. Kuznetsova defeated Wozniacki 6-2, 2-6, 7-5.
A ball kid displays Australian Open tennis balls during a match on January 21 at Melbourne Park.
Jeremy Chardy of France serves in his fourth-round match against Italy's Andreas Seppi on January 21. Chardy defeated Seppi 5-7, 6-3, 6-2, 6-2.
Andreas Seppi plays a backhand against Jeremy Chardy on January 21.
Caroline Wozniacki of Denmark returns a backhand in her fourth-round match against Svetlana Kuznetsova of Russia on January 21. Kuznetsova won 6-2, 2-6, 7-5.
Caroline Wozniacki hits a return against Svetlana Kuznetsova on January 21.
Caroline Wozniacki serves in her January 21 match against Svetlana Kuznetsova.
Svetlana Kuznetsova shows off a tattoo on January 21.
Stanislas Wawrinka of Switzerland plays a return during his men's singles match against Serbian Novak Djokovic on Sunday, January 20, Day Seven of the Australian Open in Melbourne, Australia. Wawrinka lost 1-6, 7-5, 6-4, 6-7 (5), 12-10.
Djokovic celebrates his narrow victory January 20 against Wawrinka.
Spain's David Ferrer hits a return against Japan's Kei Nishikori during their men's singles match on January 20. Ferrer won 6-2, 6-1, 6-4.
Nishikori reacts during his match against Ferrer on January 20 as a ballgirl watches.
Ferrer plays a forehand against Nishikori on January 20.
Venus and Serena Williams of the U.S. are congratulated by Russian Nadia Petrova and Slovenian Katarina Srebotnik after winning their third-round doubles match on January 20.
Maria Sharapova of Russia serves in her fourth-round match against Kirsten Flipkens of Belgium on January 20. Sharapova defeated Flipkens 6-1, 6-0.
Sharapova serves in her fourth-round match against Flipkens.
German Julia Goerges, left, congratulates Na Li of China on winning their fourth-round match 7-6 (6), 6-1 on January 20.
Mike Bryan of the U.S. plays a forehand in his third-round doubles match with his twin, Bob Bryan, against Jeremy Chardy of France and Lukasz Kubot of Poland on January 20. The Bryans won 6-7 (4), 6-4, 6-3.
Serbia's Janko Tipsarevic looks at his wrapped foot during a break in his men's singles match against Spain's Nicolas Almagro on January 20. Almagro moved on to the next round after Tipsarevic pulled out of the match in the second set because of his injury.
Kevin Anderson of South Africa prepares to serve in his fourth-round match against Tomas Berdych of the Czech Republic on January 20. Berdych won 6-3, 6-2, 7-6 (13).
Huge crowds gather at Federation Square to watch Bernard Tomic of Australia play Roger Federer of Switzerland on Saturday, January 19. Federer won 6-4, 7-6 (5), 6-1.
Gael Monfils of France twists around to return the ball in his third-round match against compatriot Gilles Simon on Saturday, January 19. Simon defeated Monfils 6-4, 6-4, 4-6, 1-6, 8-6.
Britain's Andy Murray plays a forehand in his third-round match against Ricardas Berankis of Lithuania on January 19.
Maria Kirilenko of Russia celebrates match point in her third round match against Yanina Wickmayer of Belarus on January 19.
Andy Murray serves in his match against Berankis.
Juan Martin Del Potro of Argentina rests in between points in his third-round match against Jeremy Chardy of France.
Philipp Kohlschreiber of Germany serves in his third round match against Milos Raonic of Canada.
Maria Kirilenko of Russia serves in her third-round match against Yanina Wickmayer of Belgium on January 19.
Laura Robson of Britain plays a forehand in her third-round match against Sloane Stephens of the United States on January 19.
Serena Williams of the United States reacts in her third-round match against Ayumi Morita of Japan on January 19.
Maria Kirilenko of Russia plays a forehand in her third-round match against Yanina Wickmayer of Belarus.
Mansour Bahrami of Iran warms up for a doubles match on January 19. He and Wayne Ferreira of South Africa faced Australians Mark Woodforde and Todd Woodbridge.
Juan Martin Del Potro of Argentina serves in his third round match against Jeremy Chardy of France.
A ball kid throws a tennis ball in the third round match between Jeremy Chardy of France and Juan Martin Del Potro of Argentina.
Victoria Azarenka of Belarus plays a forehand in her third-round match against Jamie Hampton of the United States.
Ayumi Morita of Japan serves in her third round match against Serena Williams of the United States, on January 19. Williams won the match 6-1, 6-3.
Serena Williams of the United States plays a backhand in her third round match against Ayumi Morita of Japan, on January 19.
Bojana Jovanovski of Serbia signs autographs for fans after winning her third round match against Kimiko Date-Krumm of Japan, on January 19. The final match score was 6-2, 7-6, tie-breaker 7-3.
The racquets of Bob Bryan of the United States and Mike Bryan of the United States cross as they compete in their men's second round doubles match against Flavio Cipolla of Italy and Andreas Seppi of Italy on Friday, January 18. The Bryan brothers won 6-3, 6-4.
Novak Djokovic of Serbia serves against Radek Stepanek of the Czech Republic during their men's singles match on Day Five of the Australian Open in Melbourne, Australia, on Friday, January 18. Djokovic won 6-4, 6-3, 7-5.
Djokovic plays a forehand in his third-round match against Stepanek on January 18.
Tomas Berdych of the Czech Republic plays a backhand in his third round match against Jurgen Melzer of Austria on January 18. Berdych won 6-3, 6-2, 6-2.
Clouds loom over the stadium in Melbourne Park as Berdych and Melzer compete in their third-round match on January 18.
Stepanek reacts after a shot on January 18.
Ana Ivanovic of Serbia serves in her third-round match against Jelena Jankovic of Serbia on January 18. Ivanovic won 7-5, 6-3.
Maria Sharapova of Russia reacts after beating Venus Williams of the U.S. during their women's singles match on January 18. Sharapova won 6-1, 6-3.
Sorana Cirstea of Romania plays a forehand in her third-round match against Na Li of China on January 18. Li won 6-4, 6-1.
Alex Bolt of Australia plays a backhand in his third-round doubles match with Greg Jones of Australia against Daniele Bracciali of Italy and Lukas Dlouhy of Czech Republic on January 18. Bracciali and Dlouhy won 6-2, 7-6 (4).
Sharapova serves against Williams during their women's singles match on January 18.
Fernando Verdasco of Spain plays a forehand in his third-round match against Kevin Anderson of South Africa on January 18. Anderson won 4-6, 6-3, 4-6, 7-6 (4), 6-2.
Stepanek hits a return against Djokovic during their men's singles match on January 18.
Anderson serves in his third-round match against Verdasco on January 18.
Anderson plays a forehand in his third-round match against Verdasco on January 18.
Williams plays a backhand in her third-round match against Sharapova on January 18.
Berdych plays a return during his men's singles match against Melzer on January 18.
Williams hits a return against Sharapova on January 18.
Marcos Baghdatis of Cyprus hits a return against David Ferrer of Spain during their men's singles match on January 18. Ferrer won, 6-4, 6-2, 6-3.
Baghdatis plays a backhand during his third-round match against Ferrer on January 18.
Jankovic plays a backhand in her third round match against Ivanovic on January 18.
Sorana Cirstea of Romania plays a backhand in her third-round match against Na Li of China on January 18.
Na serves against Cirstea on January 18.
Agnieszka Radwanska of Poland plays a forehand in her third-round match against Heather Watson of Great Britain on January 18. Radwanska won 6-3, 6-1.
Watson serves in her third-round match against Radwanska on Januray 18.
Spectators gather ahead of the start of play on the fifth day of the Australian Open on January 18.
Germany's Angelique Kerber hits a return against Madison Keys of the United States during their women's singles match on January 18. Kerber won 6-2, 7-5.
Keys plays a forehand in her third-round match against Kerber on January 18.
Ball kids dry the court during a rain delay on January 18.
China's Zheng Jie plays a return during her women's singles match against Germany's Julia Goerges on January 18. Goerges won 6-3, 1-6, 7-5.
Goerges plays a return during her women's singles match against Zheng on January 18.
Serena Williams of the U.S. holds her mouth after hitting herself with her racket during her women's singles match against Garbine Muguruza Blanco of Spain during Day Four of the 2013 Australian Open on Thursday, January 17, in Melbourne, Australia. Williams won 6-2, 6-0.
Williams plays a return during her women's singles match against Muguruza Blanco on January 17.
Maria Kirilenko of Russia stretches for a forehand in her second-round match against Shuai Peng of China on January 17. Kirilenko won 7-5, 6-2.
Bernard Tomic of Australia plays a forehand in his second-round match against Daniel Brands of Germany during Day Four of the 2013 Australian Open on January 17. Tomic narrowly defeated Brands 6-7 (4), 7-5, 7-6 (3), 7-6 (8).
Tomic twists around to get a return during his men's singles match against Brands on January 17.
Caroline Wozniacki of Denmark, left, shakes hands with Croatian Donna Vekic on January 17 after defeating her 6-1, 6-4.
Spectators cheer for Croatia's Marin Cilic during his men's singles match against Rajeev Ram of the U.S. on January 17. Cilic won 7-5, 6-2, 6-4.
Andy Murray of Britain plays a backhand in his second-round match against Joao Sousa of Portugal on January 17. Murray defeated Sousa 6-2, 6-2, 6-4.
A young spectator cools off by standing in front of a water vapor machine. Temperatures reached 40 Celsius (104 Fahrenheit).
Victoria Azarenka of Belarus serves in her second-round match against Eleni Daniilidou of Greece on January 17. Azarenka defeated Daniilidou 6-1, 6-0.
Spectators cheer for France's Jo-Wilfried Tsonga during his men's singles match against Japan's Go Soeda on January 17. Tsonga defeated Soeda 6-3, 7-6(1), 6-3.
Novak Djokovic of Serbia plays a backhand in his second round match against Ryan Harrison of USA during on Wednesday, January 16. Djokovic defeated Harrison 6-1, 6-2, 6-3.
Harrison plays a return during his men's singles match against Djokovic on January 16.
Djokovic gestures to the crowd as he celebrates victory over Harrison on January 16.
Serbia's Janko Tipsarevic hits a return against Slovakia's Lukas Lacko during their men's singles match on January 16. Tipsarevic won in five sets, 6-3, 6-4, 3-6, 4-6, 7-5.
A ball girl catches the ball on an outside court late in the day on January 16.
Irina-Camelia Begu of Romania, left, plays a forehand in her second round match against Agnieszka Radwanska of Poland on January 16. Radwanska won 6-3 6-3.
Brian Baker of the United States covers his head after injuring his knee in his second round match against compatriot Sam Querrey on January 16. After winning the first set in a tie breaker, Baker dropped out of the match two games into the second set.
Marcos Baghdatis of Cyprus serves in his second round match against Tatsuma Ito of Japan on January 16. Baghdatis won 3-6 6-3 6-2 6-2.
Tim Smyczek of the United States plays a return during his men's singles match against Spain's David Ferrer on January 16. Ferrer defeated Smyczek 6-0 7-5 4-6 6-3.
Serbian Ana Ivanovic serves in her second round match against Yung-Jan Chan of Taipei on January 16. Ivanovic won 7-5 1-6 6-4.
Roger Federer of Switzerland plays a backhand in his first-round match against Benoit Paire of France during Day 2 of the 2013 Australian Open in Melbourne on Tuesday, January 15. Federer defeated Paire 6-2, 6-4, 6-1.
Germany's Sabine Lisicki plays a return during her women's singles match against Denmark's Caroline Wozniacki on January 15. Wozniacki defeated Lisicki 2-6, 6-3, 6-3.
The courts at Melbourne Park are lit for night play during day two of the tournament on January 15.
France's Gael Monfils reaches for a return during his men's singles match against Ukraine's Alexandr Dolgopolov on January 15. Monfils defeated Dolgopolov 6-7(7), 7-6(4), 6-3, 6-3.
Monfils, right, plays a return to Dolgopolov during their singles match on January 15.
Yanina Wickmayer of Belgium celebrates winning a point in her first-round match against Jarmila Gajdosova of Australia on January 15. Wickmayer defeated Gajdosova 6-1, 7-5.
Gajdosova of Australia struggles to get up after a play during her first-round match against Wickmayer of Belgium on January 15.
France's Richard Gasquet plays a return during his men's singles match against Albert Montanes of Spain on January 15. Gasquet defeated Montanes 7-5, 6-2, 6-1.
Bernard Tomic of Australia plays a backhand in his first-round match against Leonardo Mayer of Argentina on January 15. Tomic defeated Mayer 6-3, 6-2, 6-3.
Thailand's Luksika Kumkhum reacts after a point against Hungary's Timea Babos during their women's singles first-round match on January 15. Kumkhum defeated Babos 7-6(5), 6-4.
Andy Murray of Great Britain serves in his first-round match against Robin Haase of the Netherlands on January 15. Murray defeated Haase 6-3, 6-1, 6-3.
Caroline Wozniacki of Denmark plays a backhand in her first-round match against Sara Errani of Italy on January 15. Wozniacki defeated Lisicki 2-6, 6-3, 6-3.
John-Patrick Smith of Australia plays a forehand on January 15 during his first-round match against Joao Sousa of Portugal. Sousa defeated Smith 6-4, 6-1, 6-4.
A juggler entertains the crowd as they wait to enter the grounds at Melbourne Park for Day 2 of the Australian Open.
A fan gets ready for the Australian Open on January 15.
Serena Williams of the United States falls to the court during her first-round match against Romania's Edina Gallovits-Hall on January 15.
Serena Williams of the United States is helped off the court on January 15 after injuring her ankle. Williams defeated Gallovits-Hall 6-0, 6-0.
Victoria Azarenka of Belarus plays a forehand in her first-round match against Monica Niculescu of Romania on January 15. Azarenka defeated Niculescu 6-1, 6-4.
Great Britain's Andy Murray plays a forehand against Robin Haase of the Netherlands on Day 2 of the Australian Open. Murray defeated Haase 6-3, 6-1, 6-3. Murray won 6-3 6-1 6-3.
Participants work up a sweat during a pre-match cardio workout on January 15.
Dominika Cibulkova of Slovakia plays a backhand in her first-round match against Ashleigh Barty of Australia during the 2013 Australian Open on Monday, January 14. Cibulkova won 3-6 6-0 6-1.
Lleyton Hewitt of Australia plays a backhand in his first-round match against Janko Tipsarevic of Serbia on January 14. Hewitt lost 7-6(4) 7-5 6-3.
The crowd watches the January 14 match between Australia's Lleyton Hewitt and Serbia's Janko Tipsarevic.
Australia's Casey Dellacqua serves against Madison Keys of the United States during their first-round match on January 14. Keys defeated Dellacqua 6-4 7-6(0).
A saturated spectator watches the action on Day 1 of the Australian Open.
Spain's David Ferrer falls to the ground after playing a shot in his first-round match against Belgium's Olivier Rochus on January 14. Ferrer won 6-3 6-4 6-2.
Samantha Stosur of Australia plays a forehand in her first-round match against Kai-Chen Chang of Taiwan on January 14. Stosur won 7-6(3) 6-3.
David Goffin of Belgium plays a forehand in his first-round match against Fernando Verdasco of Spain on January 14. Verdasco defeated Goffin 6-3 3-6 4-6 6-3 6-4.
Serbia's Ana Ivanovic plays a forehand during her first-round match on January 14 against Hungary's Melinda Czink. Ivanovic won 6-2 6-1.
Janko Tipsarevic of Serbia celebrates winning a point in his first-round match against Lleyton Hewitt of Australia on January 14. Tipsarevic won 7-6(4) 7-5 6-3.
Serbia's Novak Djokovic signs autographs for supporters on January 14 after a victory against France's Paul-Henri Mathieu.
Cyprus's Marcos Baghdatis hits a return against Spain's Albert Ramos on January 14. Baghdatis won 6-7(0) 7-6(4) 6-4 3-6 6-3.
Casey Dellacqua of Australia serves in her January 14 match against Madison Keys of the United States. Keys won 6-4 7-6(0).
Venus Williams of the United States serves against Galina Voskoboeva of Kazakhstan on January 14. Williams won 6-1 6-0.
Maria Sharapova of Russia plays a forehand in her first-round match against Olga Puchkova of Russia on January 14. Sharapova won 6-0 6-0 in less than an hour.
Australia's Samantha Stosur plays a return to Taiwan's Kai-Chen Chang during their women's singles match on January 14. Stosur won 7-6(3) 6-3.
Australian tennis fans enjoy the atmosphere during the women's first-round match on January 14 between Sesil Karatantcheva of Poland and Na Li of China. Li won 6-1 6-3.
Germany's Cedrik-Marcel Stebe plays a return to Switzerland's Stanislas Wawrinka during their men's singles match on January 14. Wawrinka defeated Stebe 6-2 6-4 6-3.
Russia's Maria Sharapova plays a backhand in her first-round match against Russia's Olga Puchkova on the first day of the Australian Open.
Japan's Kei Nishikori gestures after playing a stroke to Romania's Victor Hanescu during their men's singles match on January 14. Kei won 6-7(5) 6-3 6-1 6-3.
Pablo Andujar of Spain prepares to serve in his first-round match on January 14 against Xavier Malisse of Belgium. Malisse defeated Andujar 6-3 6-1 6-2.
Switzerland's Stanislas Wawrinka plays a return to Germany's Cedrik-Marcel Stebe on January 14 during their men's singles match. Wawrinka won 6-2 6-4 6-3.
Samantha Stosur of Australia plays a forehand in her first-round match against Kai-Chen Chang of Taiwan on January 14.
Williams congratulates Stephens at the end of their match on Wednesday.
Playing in her first Grand Slam quarterfinal, Stephens came from one set down Wednesday to overcome third seed Williams, who suffered a back injury after having already rolled an ankle earlier in the tournament.
Stephens walks off the court Wednesday after winning her quarterfinal match against Williams at the Australian Open.
Stephens serves to Sara Errani of Italy during the Sony Ericsson Open in Key Biscayne, Florida, on March 22, 2012.
Stephens gets ready to serve to former world No. 1 Ana Ivanovic of Serbia during their third-round match in the U.S. Open in New York on September 3, 2011. Stephens lost 6-7, 6-4, 6-2.
Stephens returns a shot against Reka-Luca Jani of Hungary on the second day of the 2011 U.S. Open. Stephens outlasted Jani for a 6-2, 3-6, 7-6 (3) victory, her first win in a major tournament. It earned her a spot as the youngest player in the Women's Tennis Association's top 100.
At the Sony Ericsson Open in 2011, Stephens signs an autograph for a young fan.
During her junior career, Stephens picked up a doubles title at Wimbledon in London on July 4, 2010, with Hungarian teenager Timea Babos.
Venus Williams
Kim Clijsters
Maria Sharapova alternate
Lindsay Davenport Tennis
Steffi Graf Tennis
Martina Navratilova Tennis
Justine Henin Tennis
Martina Hingis Tennis
Arantxa Sanchez Vicario Tennis
Victoria Azarenka
Caroline Wozniacki
Ana Ivanovic
Li Na
Petra Kvitova
Chris Evert Tennis
Billie Jean King Tennis
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