Azarenka ruthless, thrashes Danka Kovinic

Victoria Azarenka continued her fine early form at the Australian Open, dropping just three games in a thrashing of Danka Kovinic in the second round.

The Belarusian did not drop a game in her opener at Melbourne Park and was only slightly more tested on Thursday in a 6-1 6-2 win over Kovinic on Margaret Court Arena.

Azarenka extended her run of games won at the year's first grand slam to 14 before that streak was ended, but that was as good as it got for her Montenegrin opponent in the first set.

Kovinic managed to stick with Azarenka early in the second before the latter powered away to reach the third round.

A two-time champion in Melbourne, Azarenka has been in irresistible form early in the year, yet to drop a set in a run that has included winning the Brisbane International.

Typically, Azarenka dominated from the baseline – winning 29 of 42 points – while she also had plenty of success at the net, where she won 17 of 19 points.

STATISTICAL BREAKDOWN

Azarenka [14] bt Kovinic 6-1 6-2

ACES

Azarenka - 2

Kovinic - 3

WINNERS/UNFORCED ERRORS

Azarenka - 19/9

Kovinic - 11/22

BREAK POINTS WON

Azarenka - 5/10

Kovinic - 0/0

FIRST SERVE PERCENTAGE

Azarenka - 69

Kovinic - 55

PERCENTAGE OF POINTS WON ON FIRST/SECOND SERVE

Azarenka - 92/55

Kovinic - 50/36

TOTAL POINTS

Azarenka - 60

Kovinic - 31