Azarenka advances vs Kvitova

VICTORIA Azarenka of Belarus returns the ball to Margarita Gasparyan of Russia during the St. Petersburg Ladies Trophy 2019 tennis tournament on Tuesday. AP

ST. PETERSBURG, Russia — Former world number one Victoria Azarenka set up a second-round clash with Australian Open runner-up Petra Kvitova in St Petersburg on Tuesday with a straight-sets win over Margarita Gasparyan.

The Belarusian, who was dumped out in the first round at Melbourne Park by Germany’s Laura Siegemund, eased to a 6-4, 6-1 victory against the Russian qualifier.

Next up for Azarenka will be top seed Kvitova, who was beaten in a thrilling Australian Open final by Naomi Osaka on Saturday.

“I expect a tough match as she (Kvitova) is currently in top form. For me every match is very important regardless of my opponent’s name. I just want to play and to progress,” Azarenka said.