( CNN ) -- A tearful Victoria Azarenka retained her Australian Open title and world No . 1 ranking after overcoming crowd favorite Li Na in a dramatic women 's final on Saturday . The 23-year-old broke down as she celebrated her second grand slam title , denying her Chinese opponent her second after coming from behind to triumph 4-6 6-4 6-3 and claim the $ 2 million first prize . The Belorussian went into the match having upset local fans after taking a controversial 10-minute medical break during a key point of her semifinal win over American teen Sloane Stephens , but this time she was forced to wait as Li twice had to receive lengthy treatment . The match was also interrupted in the deciding set by a break for the traditional Australia Day fireworks . `` It 's been a real long two weeks , '' Azarenka said on-court after winning in two hours and 40 minutes . `` I will always keep very special memories of this court . It will be in my heart forever . '' Li , the losing finalist in 2011 , raced to a 5-2 lead in the opening set as she made a strong bid to add to her French Open title that same year -- a breakthrough win that made her the first Asian female to win a grand slam singles title . However , she was unable to show the same control that had allowed her to thrash world No . 2 Maria Sharapova in straight sets in the semifinals . Azarenka led 3-0 in the second set , then sixth-ranked Li went over on her ankle after winning the next game . It looked like it might bring the final to a premature end but the 30-year-old got back on court after having her foot strapped and reduced the deficit further . However , Azarenka rallied to take the set and then broke Li 's serve to lead 1-0 in the third set . Li broke back and then led 2-1 before the fireworks started in celebration of 225 years since the first fleet of colonists arrived from the UK . It was an inopportune break for Li , who again went over on her ankle and banged her head on the court as she tried to protect her damaged foot . `` For two seconds I could n't really see anything . It was totally black , '' she told reporters . `` So when the physio come , she was like , 'Focus on my finger . ' I started laughing . I was thinking , 'This is a tennis court , not a hospital . ' She was like , 'Follow my finger , ' because I did n't follow . I just watched the eyes . She says , 'Follow . ' I say , 'Why ? I 'm okay . ' `` Li was unable to maintain momentum and Azarenka broke her serve to lead 3-2 -- the 15th break in just 27 games of an error-strewn match -- and went on to clinch the victory that denied Serena Williams a return to the No . 1 spot . Her more consistent approach paid off as Li paid for making 57 unforced errors to 27 despite making 36 winners to Azarenka 's 18 . `` It 's a completely different mix of feelings . This one is way more emotional , '' said Azarenka , who last year topped the WTA Tour money list with more than $ 7 million . `` Li Na was absolutely playing great tennis . Unfortunate things that happened to her , you know , but that 's sport . `` I 'm just happy that everything I went through , you know , I still could manage to give my best and really come out there and try to focus on my game and play tennis that I can produce . '' Meanwhile , Americans Bob and Mike Bryan won a record 13th men 's grand slam doubles title on Saturday , thrashing Dutchmen Robin Haase and Igor Sijsling in Melbourne . The twin brothers moved past the 12 won by the Australian pair John Newcombe and Tony Roche in the 1960s and 1970s as they triumphed 6-3 6-4 in less than an hour . The 34-year-olds , who won the Olympic title last year , have now played in 23 grand slam finals .
World No . 1 Victoria Azarenka wins Australian Open title for the second year in a row . Belorussian beats crowd favorite and 2011 runner - up Li Na 7 - 6 6 - 3 6 - 4 in Melbourne . Serena has two medical breaks while final also disrupted by Australia Day fireworks . Azarenka holds onto the No . 1 ranking , denying Serena the top spot .