Next for women: Azarenka

Belarus’s Victoria Azarenka poses with the Australian Open women’s singles trophy in Melbourne yesterday following her victory over Maria Sharapova of Russia

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 today.
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.