Azarenka: Women’s tennis at a great level

Victoria Azarenka is predicting a competitive future for women’s tennis after her victory at the Australian Open saw her become the fifth different title-winner in the last five grand slams.

Azarenka thrashed Maria Sharapova to join Kim Clijsters, Li Na, Petra Kvitova and Samantha Stosur in claiming a major crown over the past 12 months.

And the Belarusian, who also moved to the top of the world rankings as a result of her success, believes having that quartet, and others, fighting for the big prizes can only be good for the sport.

She said: “Maria (Sharapova) is playing really well right now, Serena (Williams) is back, Kim, I think it’s great for women’s tennis.

“With Li Na also winning a grand slam, I think it’s great competition and we can really look forward. Women’s tennis is at a great level right now.”

Azarenka said: “It’s going to be a long year and there will be a lot of matches. I just want to keep on improving.”