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Rafael Nadal, Victoria Azarenka win 1st titles in Cincinnati

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Victoria Azarenka, from Belarus, hits a backhand against Serena Williams during the finals match at the Western & Southern Open tennis tournament, Sunday, Aug. 18, 2013, in Mason, Ohio. (AP Photo/Al Behrman)

CINCINNATI – Rafael Nadal extended his sizzling’ summer with another title in Cincinnati. Serena Williams wilted.

Nadal withstood John Isner’s steamy serves and ground out a 7-6 (8), 7-6 (3) win over the top-ranked American in the finals of the Western & Southern Open on Sunday.

He won the title in Montreal a week ago and has back-to-back hard-court championships for the first time in his illustrious career. His strong showing this season — a 53-3 match record — makes him a favourite to win the upcoming U.S. Open.

The top-ranked Williams faded after the first set and lost to No. 2 Victoria Azarenka 6-2, 2-6, 7-6 (6), ending her 14-match winning streak. Williams beat Azarenka in three sets to win the U.S. Open last year.

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