It is a hard act to follow but Serena Williams made a confident start to eclipsing her 2013 heroics by defending her Brisbane International women’s title on Saturday night.
The 17-time grand slam champion picked up where she left off last year to overcome world No.2 Victoria Azarenka 6-4 7-5 in 98 minutes.
Azarenka is considered the woman most likely to threaten Williams who claimed 11 titles overall last year, including two grand slams, for more than $12 million in prizemoney.
Williams lost just four times in 82 matches in 2013 and Azarenka inflicted two of the defeats.
But it was a case of “new year, same result” when the dust settled at Pat Rafter Arena.
It would be a psychological blow to Azarenka, 24, ahead of a third straight Australian Open title tilt.
Williams, 32, collected a winner’s cheque of $220,000, a 58th career title and yet more confidence ahead of the year’s opening grand slam.
“It was a great test. It showed me where my level was,” Williams said of the final.
“And I feel like I definitely have some room for improvement and things that I want to improve on going into Melbourne, and things I have to improve on if I want to win.
“I’m happy I was able to play both Maria (Sharapova) and Victoria (in Brisbane) because they brought their A games against me.
“I know now what I need to do for Melbourne. I look forward to it.”
A day after sealing her 14th straight win over world No.4 Sharapova, Williams extended her record against Azarenka to 14-3.
Williams broke the Belarusian in the seventh game and sealed the first set in 37 minutes with an ace.
They exchanged breaks early in the second before Azarenka struck again to lead 4-2.
However, Williams immediately broke back and Azarenka never recovered.
“She was better today in the important moments, and she took her chance,” Azarenka said.
“I’m a perfectionist. I want to play better. I want to win. I can’t say I’m satisfied today.
“But I want to take the positive, what I’ve done today, and build from here towards the next week.”
Azarenka did not feel there was pressure on her ahead of her Australian Open title defence.
“I haven’t thought about it too much yet, but I never look at a tournament to defend something,” she said.
“I always want to win another title because that helps me to focus better on what I want to achieve.
“It’s going to be a tough tournament, as usual.”