Saturday 16 January 2016 11:50, UK
Former world No 1 Victoria Azarenka says she is buzzing with excitement ahead of the Australian Open after a torrid two years battling injuries.
Azarenka, who has twice been champion in Melbourne, struggled with foot and knee problems in 2014 and only played nine tournaments before a painful thigh strain sent her spiralling down the world rankings last year.
But the Belarusian showed glimpses of her very best form when she won the build-up Brisbane International last weekend in convincing fashion.
Now Azarenka cannot wait to get going at the first Grand Slam of the season which gets under way on Monday.
"I feel good, I'm feeling excited. I had a pretty good week of practice here," she said ahead of her first-round encounter with Belgian Alison Van Uytvanck.
"So, yeah, I'm looking forward to it."
Azarenka won the tournament in 2012 and defended her title the following year. It is her most successful Grand Slam and one of her favourite events of the year.
"I've always loved Australia. It gives me a special energy. I feel really good here. I love the fans here, they're really passionate. Always in a good mood and excited. It's always fun," she said.
Her success in Brisbane has put her on the radar as a potential title challenger once again, although she is reluctant to talk up her chances, with Serena Williams the favourite to win another Grand Slam.
"I just feel excited, I'm not thinking about the chances. As I said, I try to live in the moment," said Azarenka, seeded 14.
If she gets past Van Uytvanck first up, her first major hurdle could be Spanish third seed Garbine Muguruza, who she is scheduled to meet in the fourth round.
We will bring you all the news, views and reaction from the Australian Open starting on Monday January 18.
