BRISBANE, Australia -- This was one time Serena Williams didnt mind being pushed into the deep end, to use her own description. The top-ranked Williams carried her winning momentum from 2013 into the new season, beating No. 2-ranked Victoria Azarenka 6-4, 7-5 on Saturday to defend her title at the Brisbane International and set the tone for the Australian Open. She extended her winning streak to 22 matches with the emphatic win over the reigning Australian Open champion, making it back-to-back victories over two of her main rivals. She beat four-time major winner Maria Sharapova in straight sets in an intense semifinal, her 14th consecutive win in that frosty duel. She improved to 14-3 against Azarenka, the last person to beat her last year. Before the semifinals, Williams said there was nothing like being "thrown into the deep end straight away." Having come through those challenges, she thought it was the ideal season-opening tournament. "It was a great test. It showed me where my level was," Williams said, looking ahead to the Australian Open. "Im happy I was able to play both Maria and Victoria, because they brought their A games against me. I know now what I need to do for Melbourne -- I look forward to it." The years first major starts Jan. 13 at Melbourne Park and Williams, who won 78 of her 82 matches and collected 11 titles last year, is positioning herself as the favourite to claim a sixth Australian title after winning a tournament featuring six of the top 10 women. Williams has so many trophies now, she said she doesnt know where they all are -- "some are MIA" -- but that doesnt stop her from collecting more. This was her 58th, including 17 majors. Immediately after the loss, Azarenka said she hopes to face Williams again in Melbourne -- as the top two ranked players, they can only meet in the final. "I cant say Im satisfied today, but I want to take the positive, what Ive done today, and build from here towards the next week," Azarenka said. "This is the first week where you really test yourself where your game is at, and from here you can take the positives and the things that you have to work on and really go after that." Williams earned the first break in the seventh game and hit fired consecutive aces to finish off the first set in 37 minutes. She went up a break immediately in the second set before Azarenka won four straight games to take a 4-2 lead. Williams, who was comparatively silent against a screeching opponent for the second straight night, let out a scream of relief and satisfaction after hitting an overhead winner to break back in the seventh game. And she yelled and pumped her arm again after converting a break in the 11th game with a backhand down line. Serving for the championship, Williams started with two aces -- her 10th and 11th -- and then hit a service winner to set up two championship points at 40-15. She fired an unreturnable serve to finish it off. The Williams sisters were hoping to both win a WTA Tour event in the same week for the first time in 15 years, but Ana Ivanovic prevented that when she beat Venus Williams 6-2, 5-7, 6-4 in the final of the ASB Classic in Auckland, New Zealand. It was the end of a personal drought for second-seeded Ivanovic, who claimed her 12th career singles title and her first since Bali in 2011. Venus Williams was the crowds sentimental favourite after reaching the final of her first tournament since September. After a long struggle with injury and illness, her form in Auckland supported her claim that she is fitter and healthier than she has been in years. The mens final in Brisbane on Sunday will feature two 32-year-old former No. 1s. Top-seeded Roger Federer and Lleyton Hewitt earned three-set semifinal victories to advance, renewing a rivalry that stretches back to the last millennium. Federer beat No. 8-seeded Jeremy Chardy 6-3, 6-7 (3), 6-3 immediately after Hewitts 5-7, 6-4, 6-3 win over second-seeded Kei Nishikori of Japan in sweltering heat topping 40 Celsius (104 F). The pair have met 26 times dating back to 1999, with Federer leading 18-8 including 16 of the last 17. Matt Beleskey Bruins Jersey . First off, the fans ripped the Cubbies introduction of a fuzzy new kid-friendly mascot named "Clark". Johnny Boychuk Bruins Jersey . Down by seven with 90 seconds left in regulation, thats where they looked comfortable. http://www.jerseyhockeybruinsstore.com/authentic-torey-krug-bruins-jersey-sale/ . LUCIE, Fla. Jake DeBrusk Jersey .Y. - Detroit goaltender Jonas Gustavsson has earned NHL first star of the week honours after winning in his first three appearances of the season. Bobby Orr Jersey . It was the second consecutive win for the Pacers (2-5), who lost their first five preseason games. Jeff Teague led the Hawks (1-5) with 17 points and eight assists and Al Horford had 12 points and seven rebounds. Mike Scott scored 15 of his 17 points in the second half.TSNs Jack Armstrong offers his thoughts on the intelligence of Bradley Beal, the debut of Canadian Kelly Olynyk, the versatility of Andre Iguodala, former coach Doug Collins going back to TV and the creativity of Ricky Rubio. 1. BRADLEY BEAL (Wizards): Im looking forward to seeing a full season of John Wall and Beal in the Washington back court. If both stay healthy, they can be a dynamic young guard tandem. Guard play in todays NBA is so critical on both ends of the floor. I saw some solid improvement in Wall last season and I love the pace and intelligence that Beal plays with. Hes got a smooth shooting stroke and plays like a savvy veteran. Randy Wittmans squad has a chance to make some noise if we see them both play 75+ games. 2. KELLY OLYNYK (Celtics): Really liked what I saw from him in his pre-season debut vs. Toronto on Monday night. Forget the stats, he knows how to play and will fit in their system over time. Yes, hes got to get a lot stronger and the stamina will be challenged for the rookie keeping up with the up-tempo pace and grind of a long NBA season but hes got a definite skill set that jumps out at me; his passing being the most advanced at this stage. Hes got good vision and reads/reacts to plays in a quick fashion. He delivers the ball to teammates and puts them in a position to make a positive play. Hell be a guy that theyll be able to utilize at the high post and run some plays through him there. Theyll definitely be some tough nights along the way and hell be asked to do a bit too much on a team in a rebuilding situation but the fact that he gets thrown to the fire right away will benefit him down the road if he keeps the right outloook.dddddddddddd. 3. ANDRE IGUODALA (Warriors): Golden State will be a matchup nightmare at times for folks when Mark Jackson goes small ball with him, Harrison Barnes, Klay Thompson and Steph Curry. Good luck guarding this crew, theyll be entertaining. He brings them the ability at the wing spot to defend opposing scorers and has the respect of the referees in these matchups. He is a guy that doesnt seek out the limelight, a good teammate, unselfish and finds ways to make his team better. His versatility will be an interesting addition to their team. 4. DOUG COLLINS: Was thrilled to hear that hell be back on TV after his stint as the coach of the 76ers. I have a lot of respect for him. Hes an outstanding basketball man who is a very passionate, straightforward guy. I think hes a top-notch analyst and gives you the whys that an ex-coach can provide better than anyone. Hes prepared and gives you the goods. Hes not some ex-player looking to hang out. He elevates the level of a game with his insights. If not on the sideline, then no better place for him to be. Good for the game of basketball and all intelligent fans of the sport. 5. RICKY RUBIO (Timberwolves): Always enjoy watching this young man play. Fingers crossed that he has a full season of health and takes that next step as a player that I have no doubt that he can take. He brings a flair to the game with his creativity and is a gym rat who loves playing and improving. This year, the TWolves will be one of those teams trying to make the big push to be a playoff team in a brutally competitive Western Conference. His leadership and development will play a major role if they can take the next step. cheap jerseys cheap jerseys cheap nfl jerseys Ray Ban Outlet Michael Kors Outlet Michael Kors Sale Cheap Michael Kors ' ' '