Serena Romps in Brisbane Finals

Serena Williams blew past Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova to claim her 1st title of 2013 in Brisbane. The win sets up Williams to challenge for No.1 in Melbourne later this month.

By Erik Gudris

(January 5th, 2013) - Serena Williams made it a short night as she swept through the finals of the Brisbane International in just 51 minutes.

Her opponent, Russia's Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova, stayed level with Williams early in the first set as both women blasted winners from all sides. But it was the Russian who blinked first as she dropped serve to give Williams a 3-2 lead.

That was all that the 15-time Grand Slam champion needed to run away with the first set 6-2. Another early break for Williams was all she needed to keep her momentum going in the second set as Pavlyuchenkova could do nothing to stop her.

A final backhand winner from Williams, her 24th of the match, sealed the impressive 6-2, 6-1 victory.

Pavlyuchenkova during the trophy ceremony commended Williams by saying, "It was an amazing match. I feel like I don't know how to play tennis when I play you."

"It was a honor playing you and you are such a great person on and off the court," said Williams to Pavlyuchenkova who trained with the American during the off-season in Mauritius.

Brisbane is Williams's 47th career WTA title. Williams is also now closing in on Maria Sharapova and Victoria Azarenka in the race for No. 1, a position that will be decided after the end of the Australian Open based on results.

The doubles final was won by Sania Mirza and Bethanie Mattek-Sands 4-6, 6-4, 10-7 over Anna-Lena Groenefeld and Ksenia Peschke.

(Photo Credit: Getty)