Williams' superior accuracy in the opening stages gave her the first set, before Azarenka took the second by blasting winners as she moved her opponent from side to side. In the deciding third set there were two breaks by each player in the first six games before Williams opened a gap to go 5-3 up when Azarenka was wide with a cross-court forehand. The American then served for the match.
"I love my job, I love what I do but tonight was not easy and maybe one of the toughest first rounds I've ever played," Williams said, adding it was what she needed to start the year. "My goal was to get past the first round, did you see who I had to play, and we need these matches going into the Australian Open," she said, referring to the year's first Grand Slam which begins in just under two weeks. "Now I'm hoping the next round will be fruitful for me."