MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA (AP) - Victoria Azarenka has opened the defense of her Australian Open title with a 6-1, 6-4 win over Monica Niculescu of Romania.
Azarenka powered to a 4-0 lead in the opening set over Niculescu, who is winless in singles tournaments on the WTA Tour.
The top-seeded Azarenka was down a service break and trailed 3-0 in the second set before coming back to level the set at 4. She then broke Niculescu’s serve in the ninth game before serving out Tuesday’s match.
People were interested in these podcasts
Azarenka could meet No. 3 Serena Williams, who also won Tuesday, in the semifinals at Melbourne Park.
Please read our comment policy before commenting.