Australian Sam Stosur, who had failed to reach a semi-final this season, believes she has turned the corner after beating world number two Victoria Azarenka 6-3 6-2 in the Carlsbad Open final on Sunday to earn her a first title in nearly two years.

Stosur, whose last win was the 2011 US Open, also beat Agnies-zka Radwanska in the quarter-finals last week and said the tournament had given her a massive confidence boost.

“I think winning tournaments is the absolute proof that you’re a good player,” Stosur said.

“I know I’ve only won four in my career. But I know how I’m capable of playing and doing what I can do, then I know I’ve got a chance.

“It’s great to be able to have now two top five wins in a week when I hadn’t had one in quite a while. That is a huge boost.”

Stosur came into the final with a 0-8 record against Azarenka, but largely took the racquet out of the Belarusian’s hands with huge serves and big forehands.

She said she had never doubted her ability to finally get past the former world no.1.

“I guess it’s a different psyche each time you play someone,” she said.

“I went through something similar when I played Maria Sharapova a bunch of times. I think it took 10 times for me to be able to beat her.

“I knew it was possible one day against Vika.”