Azarenka in a hurry to progress in Australia

Victoria Azarenka led a quintet of leading players in cruising into the second round of the Australian Open today.

Azarenka, the third seed, thrashed Britain’s Heather Watson in a ruthless display on Rod Laver Arena to join defending champion Kim Clijsters, last year’s beaten finalist Li Na, eighth seed Agnieszka Radwanska and 10th seed Francesca Schiavone in posting opening-day wins.