The 31-years-old Belarusian former world number 1 showed the world that she's still capable of great things. Azarenka won the last title back in 2016 when she triumphed in Brisbane, Indian Wells, and Miami. 3 years before that, she also triumphed in Cincinnati, at the same tournament she won yesterday. This is a great accomplishment after coming back on the Tour for the 2-time Grand Slam champion. After the match, she said:

“I think it's unfortunate, because I was actually really looking forward to compete against Naomi,” Azarenka told press via video chat. “ It would have been an amazing opportunity to face her level, and she's been playing really great. I lost to her last time that we played, so I was really looking forward to that."

“And playing the final is always really special… I just have to accept what it is. I would have loved to have played, but, you know, I played five really good matches this week, and I think I deserve to be where I am today."

“I'm excited to go out there and play,” Azarenka reflected. “My confidence level, I don't think it changed just based on the result that I won here. I felt pretty confident in my work that I have been doing.

“So the result is just confirmation that what I have been doing is right, but going on the court, I have been pretty confident in my abilities. It's just putting those things together now. It shows that it's the right work that I have been doing.”

“[This achievement] is pretty significant,” Azarenka said. “It's my first title as a mom. I haven't even thought about it. So that makes it special. That part is special for me."

“You know, I work hard to win matches, but I'm so much enjoying the process of playing and the battling that winning is like, I guess, the bonus, you know? Winning a tournament is a bonus.

“I enjoy playing. Like, I had so much fun practicing today that I kind of want to go out and play more,” she joked. “It's just a different feeling for me, being on the court right now.”

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