Fourth-seeded Victoria Azarenka easily advanced to the second round of the U.S. Open on Tuesday.
Azarenka beat 60th-ranked Johanna Larsson of Sweden 6-1, 6-3 in Arthur Ashe Stadium. Azarenka broke Larsson’s serve to convert her first match point and win in just 70 minutes.
Azarenka could potentially face Serena Williams in the third round this time. She had to retire in the second round last year, collapsing because of a concussion suffered in a fall before the match.
Azarenka won 77 per cent of points on her second serve on Tuesday, even better than the 72 per cent on her first serve.