World number three Victoria Azarenka said she was in the best shape of her career after crushing Czech Iveta Benesova 6-2, 6-2 to reach the Australian Open quarter-finals on Sunday. The Belarusian has been in superb touch in Melbourne, losing just 12 games on the way to the quarter-finals, where she will take on Poland’s eighth seed Agnieszka Radwanska. Azarenka, who is seeking her first grand slam title and could be crowned world number one after this tournament, was quickly into her stride against her 46th-ranked opponent Sunday, breaking her twice in the first set.
She maintained her firm grip on the contest in the second set, again breaking twice to wrap up the match in 1hr 17mins. The 22-year-old said strenuous off-season fitness work had helped in her unbeaten start to the year. “I think I’m in the best shape physically right now, so it kind of helps other aspects of the game,” she said. “I feel pretty good out there.
“It helps the mindset as well. I feel like I can play there as long as I need to play. I’m there for every point.” Azarenka will now take on Radwanska, who demolished Germany’s Julia Goerges 6-1, 6-1. The two have known each other since they were 12 years old and are good friends off the court.
They last met at the Sydney International 10 days ago when Azarenka won in three sets on her way to winning the title. “We’ve had so many great matches, long matches, long rallies. I’m sure it’s going to happen again,” Azarenka said. “But I think she’s improved tremendously since the end of last year. You could see the difference. She’s become more aggressive. She’s improved her serve.”
