Ever dissatisfied World No 1 Victoria Azarenka [ Images ] began her build-up to the Australian Open [ Images ] with an imposing 6-3, 6-3 victory over big-serving Sabine Lisicki in the Brisbane [ Images ] International second round on Wednesday.
The defending Australian Open champion made light work of the German to set up a quarter-final clash against qualifier Ksenia Pervak.
"I'm such a picky person that I probably never will be satisfied," Azarenka said.
"That's a good thing because I have a lot more matches to play and I can always improve. But it was pretty good. I felt like the things that I've been working on are there. I'm getting into the competitive groove and I'm happy where I'm at right now."
Azarenka faces a challenge to her top ranking from world No. 2 Maria Sharapova [ Images ] and No. 3 Serena Williams [ Images ] when the Australian Open begins at Melbourne [ Images ] Park on January 14.
"I actually don't really look at defending anything -- I'm just looking to win," she said.
"I'm going to have the same mindset for as long as I'm playing. That's what I'm looking forward to -- improving my game as I always do and match those big challenges, the big players.
"At the beginning of the year, you're obviously hungry to play. The atmosphere here in Australia [ Images ] brings out the best in me. The motivation is always extraordinary. I really like it here."
Williams will follow Azarenka on to Pat Rafter Arena on Thursday when she plays fellow countrywoman Sloane Stephens.
The powerful and athletic 19-year-old is regarded as the successor to Serena and Venus Williams [ Images ] as the face of American tennis.
"She's so sweet," Stephens said of Serena Williams.
"I love her. Obviously she's been a really great influence on my tennis career. I'm excited to play her and get on the court with her tomorrow. I think it'll be fun."
Men's top seeds Andy Murray [ Images ] and Milos Raonic start their campaigns on Thursday against Australia's John Millman and Bulgarian Grigor Dmitrov respectively.
Photograph: Chris Hyde/Getty Images
this
Users
Comment
article