Victoria Azarenka relishing Angelique Kerber rematch

Two-time Australian Open champion Victoria Azarenka is braced for another tough contest against Angelique Kerber as they prepare to lock horns again in the quarter-finals at Melbourne Park.

Azarenka defeated Kerber to claim the Brisbane International crown in the lead up to the Australian Open and she will have another opportunity to exert her dominance after winning through to the last eight with a 6-2 6-4 victory over Barbora Strycova on Monday.

Belarusian 14th seed Azarenka has won all six of her previous six meetings with Kerber, who accounted for countrywoman Annika Beck 6-4 6-0 on the same day.

Despite her perfect record, Azarenka is anticipating another difficult tussle against the German seventh seed.

"It's exciting. I always look forward to playing against her," Azarenka told reporters.

"She always gives me tough matches. I prepare myself for a very tough match because she's very solid, very consistent, and an amazing fighter.

"I have to play my best game to beat her, for sure."

Azarenka added: "She's just consistent. You have to really go out there and take it from her, because she's not going to give you anything, mistakes.

"You have to really focus and take control.

"The result of Brisbane or whatever in the past, it doesn't really matter to me.

"I need to focus myself for a tough match and, you know, quarter-finals of a grand slam. It's important for everybody."