Stosur upsets Azarenka in Carlsbad final

Carlsbad, CA – Samantha Stosur finally got her first win against Victoria Azarenka, downing her in straight sets Sunday in the finale of the $795,000 Southern California Open.

The fifth-seeded Stosur, who lost all eight of her previous meetings against Azarenka, took down the tournament's top seed, 6-2, 6-3 on the hardcourts at La Costa Resort and Spa.

It marked Stosur's fourth career title and first since capturing the 2011 U.S. Open, which starts up in three weeks.

Azarenka's serve failed her in the opening set. She was broken three times, committed five double faults and lost the first five points on her second serve. The 24-year-old Belarusian also lost six of her seven break-point chances and squandered five more in the opening game of the second set.

Stosur earned the first break of the second to go in front, 4-2, and the Australian came away with the win when Azarenka went wide with a backhand on match point.

Azarenka is still expected to overtake Maria Sharapova for the No. 2 ranking in the world but was denied her 17th title.

Stosur, who improved to 4-12 in career finals, claimed $125,000 with the victory.