Newly crowned Australian Open champion Victoria Azarenka believes women’s tennis is in for a fascinating 12 months as a new generation challenges the supremacy of the established stars. Azarenka’s 6-3, 6-0 win over three-time grand slam winner Maria Sharapova was the 22-year-old’s first triumph at a major championships, and will also put her the top of the next women’s rankings list released on Monday.
The Belarusian was the fifth different women’s grand slam winner in a row, and the fourth first-time champion in succession, following Li Na at Roland Garros, Petra Kvitova at Wimbledon and Samantha Stosur at the US Open. “I think it’s a great thing for women’s tennis,” Azarenka said. “We have a good rivalry, I would say. “With Petra we had amazing matches. Unfortunately I haven’t beaten her, but I’m really looking forward to that. “But with Maria playing really well now, you know, Serena (Williams) is back, Kim (Clijsters), I think it’s great for women’s tennis. “With Li Na winning a grand slam, Sam Stosur winning a grand slam, I think it’s a great competition and we can really look forward for the women’s game. “It’s at a great level right now.” The 21-year-old Kvitova went into the tournament as one of the favourites but was beaten in the semi-finals by Sharapova, who agreed there were exciting times ahead. “In terms of what the tour has to offer, I hope that we have a lot of great tennis, and personally, I hope I do, too,” said the Russian. While the changes are positive for the up-and-coming players, the Australian Open may have seen the beginning of the end for a number of grand slam winners.
