Five tournaments, which ended last week, gave all the tennis fans across the world much a reason to cheer and be happy for their favorite players. Last week saw two successful title defenses, one sensational first-time champ, and of course, 71st title won by the majestic Roger Federer.

But let’s start from the beginning.

I don’t think Victoria Azarenka will ever face those unpleasant questions, like Caroline Wozniacki has faced regarding her leadership in the women’s rankings, but last Saturday the Belarus tennis star sent any chance for such questions to rest by her unbelievable performance and fighting spirit.

After easily winning the first set of her semi-final match against Agnieszka Radwanska at Qatar Total Open 2012, Azarenka fell and injured her left ankle severely. At this moment, I thought she will retire, and I am sure, Aga thought so too.

But no way! Vika came from behind, clearly suffering from the pain in the ankle, yet, she kept fighting and won that match.

Next day, the Australian Open Champion brushed aside Samantha Stosur, winning her third consecutive tournament in 2012 and 17th match. Do you think Azarenka targets Novak Djokovic unprecedented winning streak? We’ll see.

Amid the ridiculously huge battles seen in Doha, tennis fans have barely missed a major sensation, which happened in Bogotá, where little-known Spanish player Lara Arruabarrena-Vecino won her very first WTA level tournament at Copa BBVA Colsanitas. The 19-year-old Barcelona resident has previously won 11 ITF level tournaments, so I believe we should keep an eye on this talented girl.

The leading ATP players are still having vacations after Australian Open, but not Roger Federer, who played in Rotterdam last week. The Swiss superstar was taken to three sets by the resurgent Nikolay Davydenko, but overall won the tournament easily, beating Juan-Martin Del Potro in the finals at 61 63.

This was the 818 career win for Rodger, who probably set sights on Andre Agassi’s outstanding record of 870 ATP level wins. Hopefully, the Swiss maestro will overcome this achievement next year.

Switching to San Jose, where last year’s sensation Milos Raonic had to defend his maiden title. The Canadian giant had a slow finish to the year, but still was named the Newcomer of the year, and this year the 21-year-old is poised to prove he is a force to consider.

Seeded third, Raonic never lost a set on his way to winning back to back SAP Open titles, but was forced to play a tie-break in each of four matches he played, including the final match against the surprise finalist Denis Istomin of Uzbekistan.

And finally, the Brasil Open, which was held in Sao Paulo, moving from Costa do Saupe also got an “Old New” Champion. Nicolas Almagro, ranked No 11 in ATP, showed a strong performance, winning four straight matches to defend his title and become the three-time Brasil Open Champion.