Azarenka came back from a set down to win the final 4-6 6-4 6-3 at the Rod Laver Arena. The match was a mixture of some of the world's top tennis and a mixture of some very scrappy points, but the Belarusian fought back in the closing stages against Na Li who suffered two injury scares during the match.
It was clear at the start of the match that the crowd's loyalties were vested in La Ni, after there was some controversy in Azarenka's semi-final due to her controversial medical time out which many questioned her gamesmanship.
"Unfortunately, you have to go through some rough patches to achieve great things," said Azarenka. "That's what makes it so special for me. I went through that, and I'm still able to kiss that beautiful trophy."
The first set compiled of very scrappy games and points from both players, but the Chinese player seemed to play the better game. 32 errors were made in just the first set, things could only improve.
Na Li recovered from a 5-2 deficit using her effective return shot to hold at 5-4. Li managed to even the match as Azarenka double faulted on set point.
The second set began and Azarenka was determined to fight back after being a set down, and got a double break. But the Chinese player suffered an ankle injury at 3-2 down in the second set.
A medical time out was called for Li after she fell heavily onto her ankle, although the situation appeared more hopeful when she applied pressure to her foot.
Li returned to the baseline, even feistier then before firing out five points in a row, but Azarenka held on tight to stay ahead at 0-40.
Li seemingly gave a helping hand when she occurred five errors in a row to give Azarenka the break at 5-4, and closed the set to take the final to a deciding set.
In the deciding set, Li looked to be regaining some sort of control at 2-1 up only to be interrupted for nine minutes by the annual Australia Day fireworks display.
Injury took Li again after she fell to the ground heavily, hitting her head on the hard surface and twisted the same ankle.
The sixth seed looked dazed, although she did manage a thin smile when her face appeared on the big screen, but she needed another timeout, and again Azarenka went through an unexpected practice routine.
Li resumed firing forehands but Azarenka held on to her serve at 2-2 and then got the decisive break in game five, hanging on to it when Li squandered a break point at 4-3 down.
After struggling to hold on to her serve in the early stages, Azarenka was now attacking her opponent's with similar gusto.
The world number one avoided having to serve out when Li floated a forehand long on championship point, the Belarusian dropping her racquet and burying her face in her hands in celebration.
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