Serena fires her way to victory, Federer sets up Hewitt showdown

Serena Williams of the U.S. holds up the Brisbane International trophy after defeating Victoria Azarenka of Belarus in the women's singles final in Brisbane, January 4, 2014. REUTERS/Jason Reed

BRISBANE (Reuters) - Serena Williams laid down an imposing marker ahead of the first grand slam of the year by powering to a 6-4 7-5 victory over Australian Open champion Victoria Azarenka at the Brisbane International.

The American won the battle between the world's top two players to pick up her 58th career title.