( CNN ) -- Given the way Serena Williams played in 2013 -- amassing a 78-4 record and picking up two more majors -- she was always going to be the favorite at the Australian Open . She is now even more of a favorite after defeating the reigning two-time Australian Open champion , Victoria Azarenka , to capture the title in Brisbane on Saturday . In downing the world No . 2 6-4 7-5 , Williams extended her winning streak to 22 matches and ended Azarenka 's 24-match run in Australia . Williams also came through against a tough opponent in the semifinals , seeing off Maria Sharapova in straight sets . `` I feel like I 'm being pushed into the deep end straightaway , '' the 17-time grand slam champion and world No . 1 was quoted as saying by the WTA 's website . `` I think it 's a good thing . `` In Melbourne if I have to face Maria again , I 'll know a little bit more what to expect , and same thing with Victoria . If I happen to play against her in Melbourne , I 'll know what to do and what to expect . '' Williams was never in danger in the opener but had to rally from a 4-2 deficit in the second set against the player who severely tested the American in September 's U.S. Open final . Williams -- hampered by ankle injuries in Melbourne the previous two years -- improved to 14-3 against Azarenka . `` I want to play better , '' Azarenka told reporters . `` I 'm a perfectionist . `` I ca n't say I 'm satisfied today , but I want to take the positive , what I 've done today , and build from here towards the next week . '' The Williams sisters were denied a double as hours before Serena 's victory , Venus Williams fell to Ana Ivanovic 6-2 5-7 6-4 in Auckland in a battle of former No . 1s . Ivanovic had lost eight of her previous nine encounters against the elder Williams . `` I 've worked really hard for this and many times I 've been in a position to win another title , so to come through in a final like this against such a good player is obviously a great feeling , '' Ivanovic , who bagged a title for the first time since the end of 2011 , told the WTA 's site . Nadal triumphs in Qatar . In Doha , men 's No . 1 Rafael Nadal beat Gael Monfils 6-1 6-7 6-2 to bag his 61st title . In the Open Era , that puts him in sole possession of eighth , surpassing Andre Agassi . `` It is the first time in my career that I am able to start the season with a victory , '' Nadal told the ATP 's website . `` That 's always important . '' Roger Federer advanced to the men 's final in Brisbane , hitting 20 aces to overcome Frenchman Jeremy Chardy 6-3 6-7 6-3 . A 17-time major champion like Serena Williams , Federer faces Lleyton Hewitt in the finale after the Aussie veteran upset Kei Nishikori 5-7 6-4 6-3 . Federer -- trying to rebound from a disappointing 2013 -- leads their head-to-heads 18-8 . `` It 's been a good week so far , and I hope I can play a good final , '' Federer told the ATP 's website . `` We know each other very well , so both of us will find our groove and know what to expect from one another . ''
Williams wins the Brisbane title by defeating Serena Williams . Victoria Azarenka extends her winning streak to 22 matches and ends Azarenka 's run in Venus Williams . Roger Federer reaches the men 's final by beating Frenchman Jeremy Chardy . In a battle of former No . 1s , Ana Ivanovic gets the better of Auckland in Auckland .