On the first point after a 10-minute pause in the third set while fireworks boomed from nearby Australia Day celebrations, Li fell over again and slammed the back of her head on the court.

WSJ: Azarenka Beats Li to Win Australian Open

In the first point back, Li injured the same ankle and hit her head as she fell, silencing the Rod Laver Arena crowd, which wondered whether it would witness what would have been just the second retirement in a Grand Slam women's final since 1968.

WSJ: Azarenka Beats Li to Win Australian Open

In the first point back, Ms. Li injured the same ankle and hit her head as she fell, silencing the Rod Laver Arena crowd, which wondered whether it would witness what would have been just the second retirement in a Grand Slam women's final since 1968.

WSJ: Azarenka Beats Li to Win Australian Open