New York, Aug. 28 -- Former world No.1 Victoria Azarenka turned back the clock on Wednesday, producing a vintage performance to down Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova 6-3, 6-3 and book her place in the third round of the US Open.
In a clash of two seasoned campaigners, the 36-year-old Azarenka showed greater freshness and consistency, shrugging off a slow start to dominate proceedings on Stadium 17.
The Belarusian, a three-time US Open finalist, capitalised on 18 unforced errors from Pavlyuchenkova in the opening set before sealing victory in just under 90 minutes.
"She started really strong, but after a few games I began to find my form," Azarenka said after stretching her career record to 8-2 over her Russian opponent.
With the win, Azarenka h...