Australian veteran Casey Dellacqua set up a daunting clash with world No.2 Victoria Azarenka with a first-round victory at the Brisbane International on Monday.
Wildcard Dellacqua, lost the opening set in humid conditions but bounced back strongly to defeat Kazakhstan’s Galina Voskoboeva 3-6 6-2 6-3 at Pat Rafter Arena.
“I think over the last few months I really felt good about where I was at,” said Dellacqua. “Coming into this tournament obviously it’s another level and you’re playing girls top 100 and that, but I certainly believe that I’m playing well enough to win those matches.”
World No.142 Dellacqua has been pitted in a nightmare draw featuring five current or former world No.1s and headlined by 17-time Grand Slam winner Serena Williams.
The 1 hour and 52 minute victory sets up a second-round encounter with second seed and dual Australian Open champion Victoria Azarenka.
“Obviously her [Azarenka] and Serena are two of the best players in the world, so to come up against Vika in the second round, yeah, obviously I’m not expected to win.
“I will just go out there. I just feel at this point in my career that I get to play an opponent like Vika is a great opportunity, and I’m going to enjoy the moment in front of the Australian crowd and just try and do what I do well.
“Whatever happens will happen.”