Nadal, Victoria Azarenka win 1st titles in Cincy
By JOE KAY, Associated Press
Aug 18, 2013 5:52 PM CDT
Serena Williams helps herself up after slipping against Victoria Azarenka, from Belarus, during the finals match at the Western & Southern Open tennis tournament, Sunday, Aug. 18, 2013, in Mason, Ohio. (AP Photo/Al Behrman)   (Associated Press)

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 favorite 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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