14th seed Victoria Azarenka continued to make her intentions known with another dominant performance, defeating Danka Kovinic 6-1, 6-2 to advance to the third round.
Azarenka grinds Kovinic down, wins first set easily
The opening game of the match, nine points long on Kovinic's serve, Azarenka created two break points, letting the first slip away, but not the second as Kovinic sailed a backhand wide, the former champion up an early break. Azarenka then held to 15, claiming a 2-0 lead. The next Kovinic service game mirrored her first, a long affair that also went nine points, this time Kovinic holding by firing an ace down the middle after saving three break points. Azarenka consolidated her back flawlessly, holding to love and posting a 3-1 lead. The following Kovinic service game lasted half as long as the previous two, Azarenka breaking to 15 with a gorgeous backhand down the line and now in command of the set at 4-1.
After dropping her opening service point, the Belarusian won the next four and her lead grew to 5-1. Kovinic's serve was breached one more time in the set as Azarenka built a 0-40 lead, wasting her first chance, but the second and the set, was handed to her as Kovinic double-faulted, the 2012 and 2013 champion in command with a 6-1 opening set victory.
Azarenka breaks second set open late, wins match on two late breaks
The second set started with a battle on Azarenka's serve going to deuce, but the Belarusian scraped out a hold. Kovinic would also hold after Azarenka challenged her serve, getting to deuce. Two relatively easy holds, sandwiched in between a Kovinic hold to 30, brought the score to 3-2 Azarenka.
She would then have one final burst to seal the match: a break of Kovinic's serve to 15, a powerful forehand pushing Kovinic back and forcing a weak reply. 4-2. A carefully placed overhead smash. 5-2. Finally, she closed out Kovinić by breaking her serve to love as the Montenegrin pushed a backhand long. That game also featured the shot of the tournament: a running forehand by Azarenka around the net post.
Surprise opponent next
Instead of facing 18th seed Elina Svitolina next, Azarenka will instead face 18-year old Japanese qualifier Naomi Osaka. Osaka stunned Svitolina 6-4, 6-4 to advance to the matchup with Azarenka.
Azarenka pleased with her win
"I really don't count the games," Azarenka said after the match. "What really works for me is to stay in the moment. I enjoy my time on the court and play every point like it's my last."I just want to enjoy the journey. Right now I just can't wait to be out here again."
Azarenka was wary of letting Kovinic taking control of the rallies. "I played really well, especially in the beginning," Azarenka said. "I just tried to just create opportunities and not let her dictate the points."