Victoria Azarenka has beaten Germany’s Angelique Kerber in straight sets to claim the Brisbane International title, her first piece of WTA silverware in two and a half years.

In an ominous display from the former world No.1 ahead of the Australian Open, Azarenka wrestled control of the final midway through the first set and dominated proceedings from there on to beat Kerber 6-3 6-1 on Saturday night at Pat Rafter Arena.

It is Azarenka’s first WTA title since winning the Cincinnati Masters in August 2013 and caps off a stunning tournament from the resurgent Belarusian, who is set for a huge jump up the world rankings.