In-form Azarenka hammers Kuznetsova to lift third Miami Open title

Former world number one Victoria Azarenka clinched her third Miami Open title after outplaying Svetlana Kuznetsova of Russia in straight sets.

The Belarusian professional remained dominant throughout the match as she claimed a comfortable 6-3, 6-2 triumph over Kuznetsova in a one-sided summit showdown that lasted for one hour and 17 minutes.

Following the win, Azarenka praised her Russian compatriot for producing some great tennis and returning to her top form.

"I want to congratulate Sveta for the great result. I know you've had a lot of ups and downs in your career and I'm so happy to see you again in top form producing some great tennis," Azarenka said.

It was Azarenka's third victory of the season, having won her first title in in Brisbane followed by a victory at Indian Wells where she dethroned top-seed Serena Williams.

With the win, the two-time Grand Slam champion will make a return to the top five in the world.

The victory also saw Azarenka becoming only the third woman to win both Indian Wells and Miami in the same year after Kim Clijsters in 2005 and Steffi Graf in 1994 and 1996.