Victoria Azarenka hungry for more after back-to-back WTA titles

In-form Victoria Azarenka is hungry for more success after her Miami Open win, with the former world number one determined to prove her critics wrong on clay as she eyes a return to the WTA’s summit.

After reigning supreme at Indian Wells last month, Azarenka added Miami to her collection thanks to a 6-3 6-2 victory over Svetlana Kuznetsova in Saturday’s decider.

The two-time grand-slam champion, who did not drop a set throughout the WTA Premier event, now boasts a 22-1 win-loss record this year.

Her only defeat came to Angelique Kerber at the Australian Open in January, as she finally enjoys an injury-free run, having overcome persistent foot problems which hampered her in 2014 and 2015.

“Being fit and being prepared helps a lot,” the 26-year-old said. “I definitely have a different approach and perspective from a couple of years ago.

“I worked a lot on myself outside the court to understand how to be present and make better priorities. That helps me to be in a relaxed way. I know I’m prepared and I don’t focus on the result.”

Azarenka – a French Open semi-finalist in 2013 – will now turn her attention to clay, which is seen as her weakest surface.

“I’m definitely very motivated for the clay season,” said the Belarusian. “I’ve always been a favourite of proving people wrong. That’s what motivates me a lot.

“When people say it’s not my favourite surface, I’m going to work really hard to make sure it’s my favourite surface.”

A 20-time WTA Tour winner, Azarenka is set for a return to the world’s top five next week and reclaiming the top ranking could be on the cards come the end of the year, given Serena Williams is yet to taste victory in 2016.

“We’ll see what happens,” she added. “Serena is one of the players who makes me push myself to the limit.

“She’s the toughest competitor there is and for me it’s a great challenge to have her, because it will always push me to improve.”