Australian Open: In form Azarenka reaches quarterfinals

But the path to a dream final against Serena Williams seems laid out for 14th seed Azarenka.

Kerber finally held her serve to take the first set in 60 minutes.

His voice sounding emotional at times, Raonic added: “Unfortunately in Saskatchewan in a very small community there was a shooting at a high school, so I want to take a moment and give thoughts to that community”.

Victoria Azarenka has cruised into the fourth round with another quick victory, dispatching Japanese qualifier Naomi Osaka 6-1, 6-1 in 56 minutes.

The Czech began her tournament with a win over world No. 34 Caroline Garcia in straight sets, who had shown in the earlier Hopman Cup just how good she could play, having defeated Heather Watson, Sabine Lisicki and Australian Daria Gavrilova at the mixed doubles tournament.

Nishikori has had trouble with Tsonga’s power game in the past, losing most recently to the Frenchman in the quarterfinals of the French Open a year ago. Nobody seems to feel settled in to withstand the pressure of the two-week major.

“I will looking forward when I play against her to really take my chances, take the next match”.

Azarenka dominated her 18-year-old opponent in every department of their first meeting.

This was the second-straight year Brengle advanced to at least the third round in Australia.

The 34-year-old Australian player had announced he would retire after this year’s Australian Open. She dropped from No. 1 at the start of 2013 to No. 32 by the end of 2014.

Strycova, who has previously made the fourth round of a Grand Slam just once in her 13-year career on tour, said she had mentally prepared ahead of facing the third seed. “I think today is a very bad day, you know, at the office. I’m sure we will see a lot more of her”. It turns out she was just nervous about the Denver Broncos in the AFC Championship against the New England Patriots.

She admitted to being caught off guard in the early going against Osaka.

“It’s been wonderful, ” she said. “Starting to be happy and organised and disciplined off the court, it changed my life on the court, definitely”.

If it happens, this will be their fourth duel inside 12 months, with all three of their 2015 matches being tense, three-set affairs.

“It wasn’t easy for sure, especially when you don’t know who you play”, Azarenka said.

Victoria Azarenka couldn’t get off court quickly enough to check the score after reaching the Australian Open quarterfinals.

“I felt I was not moving very well”. That will be another challenge for Azarenka to overcome, should they meet. As for the other top seeds we were supposed to watch, who are no longer here?

“I guess this match, because it’s like I’m learning”, she said when asked what she would remember most of her maiden grand slam.

“In general, I always find some solution to break his serve, even (if it) is really tough”.