Comeback queen Victoria Azarenka showed she was back to her best by dumping eighth seed Caroline Wozniacki out of the Australia Open in straight sets on Thursday.
The former world number ones squared off in a high-quality second round duel with Azarenka triumphant over the eighth seed 6-4 6-2.
The two-time champion Azarenka arrived at Melbourne Park unseeded after battling foot and knee injuries and personal issues in 2014.
But she looked right at home on Margaret Court Arena and dictated play from the outset to stun the Dane and claim her first top 10 scalp in more than a year.
"I'm happy with the way I stayed consistent throughout the whole match," said Azarenka, now ranked world No.44.
"I think there's always things you can improve, but it's a great progress from one match to another."
The Belarusian said she was pleased with her court game and the intensity she was able to maintain throughout the one hour and 38 minute match.
Azarenka won the Open in 2012 and 2013 and reached the quarter finals last year before injury and illness hit.
She said she loved the tournament, and Australia.
"I love the energy of people here.
"I think the whole country is like a sporting nation.
"I think you feel very excited every time you come here to play."
There was little to celebrate for Wozniacki, who slumped to her worst ever Open performance after reaching the semi-finals in 2011.
She had never exited before the third round in seven previous appearances.
"At the end of the day she played better than me today and hats off to that," Wozniacki said.
"She's won here twice. It doesn't happen by accident."
Azarenka will next face Czech 25th seed Barbora Zahlavova Strycova in the third round and is on course to take on top seed Serena Williams in the quarter-finals.
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