"I felt like my game wasn't at my best today, but I was able to find a way to win" - Azarenka credits resolve for tricky win over Kenin

In a battle of former Melbourne Park women's singles champions, Victoria Azarenka overcame Sofia Kenin 6-4 7-6(3) on Monday afternoon to book a berth in the second round of Australian Open 2023.

The 24th seed needed two hours and four minutes to secure victory on Margaret Court Arena, ensuring she avoided first-round exits faced in two of her three most recent trips Down Under.

"She's an amazing champion," said an upbeat Azarenka, admitting that she expected a challenge from Kenin, who was often striking the ball like she had nothing to lose. "I'm glad I was able to find a way," added the popular right-hander, noting that she didn't play her best.

"It was a nerve-racking match for me," admitted Azarenka, who credited her stability. "I felt like my game wasn't at the best today, but I was able to find a way to win ... I feel that mentally I stayed really strong and I kept looking for solutions."

In the second round, the 24th seed will be favored to progress deeper into the AO 2023 draw when she faces Argentina's Nadia Podoroska, who defeated lucky loser Leolia Jeanjean of France 6-0 6-3.

The athletic right-hander commended her team's effort over the off-season. "We work hard … we put blood, sweat and tears to go out here and perform our best. It's high pressure and you would think I wouldn't be nervous, but it still means so much to me.

“I want to see how far I can go,” she continued, explaining that she tries to set results-based goals on a step-by-step basis rather than racing to the finish line. "I need to have patience …when you win big, it's hard to be patient."