Australian Open 2014: Defending champion Victoria Azarenka takes another step to retaining title
The 24-year-old Belarusian was in fine touch for most of the match
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Victoria Azarenka took another step towards what she hopes will be a third straight Australian Open title win with a comfortable second-round victory over Barbora Zahlavova Strycova.
The 24-year-old Belarusian was in fine touch for most of the match, winning seven straight games in its mid-section to take the first set 6-1 and secure a break in the second.
Her opponent at least found enough resolve to break back and prevent a total walkover, but she lost her own serve immediately and then the match 6-4, with Azarenka finishing things off with a fine cross-court backhand, her most lethal weapon on the day.
"I feel pretty good, it was a good match today, the second set was competitive and she was defending so well," she said when interviewed on the Rod Laver Arena after the match.
"I feel I was playing good and am glad to close it out in two sets. I always had to adapt to every shot.
"I enjoy being here so much and I hope to keep going here."
Azarenka's next assignment will be against either Bojana Jovanovski or Yvonne Meusburger.
PA
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