World number one and defending champion Victoria Azarenka is through to the second round of the Australian Open after victory over Monica Niculescu.
Azarenka began her title defense with an easy win over Niculescu, with a straight-set victory of 6-1 6-4 at Melbourne Park.
Azarenka spoke of Niculescu's odd playing style: “She's unusual and she tries to make you feel a little bit, you know, miserable on the court, like you don't know what to do, because every ball comes from different angles,” Azarenka said.
Admittedly, the Belarusian did not help herself with a first serve percentage of only 67%, Niculescu making a slightly surprising 95 per cent of returns. And the world No.1, who has been suffering from a pedicure-induced injury, also produced only marginally fewer errors than winners, 22 to 23.
“I felt like the first set was really flowing my way and everything was going well for me,” Azarenka said. “I was executing what I wanted. And then, you know, I kind of miss-hit few shots and she got really competitive. I felt like I was on the practice court a little bit, letting go few things that I shouldn't.
“After that I just really had to pump myself up to get into that, you know, state of mind of competitiveness. From there, I got back and I started to do the right things again.”
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