Azarenka downs Sharapova in Beijing Final

The Belarusian made short work of the Russian, ranked No. 2, in a 6-3, 6-1 rout for her fifth title of the year.

Sharapova's shaky serve allowed Azarenka to race to a 4-0 lead in both sets before she put up a serious fight in either.

It was Azarenka's third final victory over Sharapova this year after the Australian Open and Indian Wells, the only victory for the Russian coming in the Stuttgart final, RIA Novosti reports.

Earlier on Sunday, Novak Djokovic took his third Beijing title in three attempts, beating Jo-Wilfried Tsonga 7-6(4), 6-2.

The 25-year-old Djokovic first entered the China Open in 2009 and won it two consecutive years before injury ruled him out in 2011.

It was Djokovic's fourth victory in four encounters with Tsonga this season, with the Frenchman appearing in the China Open final for the first time.