By Erik Gudris | Friday, January 22, 2016

 

Victoria Azarenka proved too strong for Japan’s Naomi Osaka as the two-time winner won in straight sets.

Photo Credit: Mark Peterson/Corleve

Two-time Australian Open champion Victoria Azarenka used her experience and shotmaking skills to advance once again with ease into the fourth round of the first Grand Slam of the year.

More: 10 Things Naomi Osaka

The No. 14 seeded Azarenka faced off in the third round in a highly anticipated first meeting against 18-year-old qualifier Naomi Osaka of Japan. Though Osaka shone early, the match quickly proved to be all in favor of the former No. 1.

Osaka, with several potent forehand winners, broke Azarenka at love to start the match. But Azarenka quickly broke back and from there assumed control.

Azarenka, using her better point construction and deeper shot placement, moved out in front quickly. Azarenka placed a forehand behind Osaka to take the set 6-1 in just 27 minutes.

Osaka, who dealt with an abdominal injury in the match, could not pose more of a threat in the second set. Azarenka immediately broke the young Japanese player’s serve and once again took an early lead. Though Osaka battled to stay in the match, there was not much she could do to counter Azarenka’s movement, ball placement, and experience.

With a roundhouse forehand winner, Azarenka closed out the 6-1, 6-1 win in just under an hour.

Azarenka hit 24 winners to just four from Osaka.

Osaka, when asked what she will remember most from this year’s Australian Open, said, “I guess this match, because it's like I'm learning. Honestly I'm a bit glad she beat me like this because I have like so much more to learn and I can take this as a good experience.”

“It wasn’t easy for sure, especially when you don’t know who you’re playing. It was my first time,” Azarenka said after the win. “Definitely a lot of adaptation in the beginning. She was unpredictable and surprised me with her game. I’m glad I stayed focused.”

Azarenka will now face Barbora Strycova who upset No. 3 seed Garbine Muguruza earlier.