Azarenka: Serena Is The Favourite

World number one and reigning Australian Open champion Victoria Azarenka says Serena Williams is the player to beat at this year’s tournament.

The 2013 Australian Open begins on Monday with Williams the in-form player on the circuit after victories at the season-ending Masters tournament, along with the US Open and Wimbledon.

When asked if Williams was the player to beat, the Belarussian said: “Yeah I think so.

“Everybody (will) try to beat the top players. Every time I go on the court, you feel the same way.

“Everybody wants to take your position, be the number one player in the world. When I wasn’t number one, I was feeling the same way.”

However, Williams said she preferred to be the under-dog but was feeling calm nonetheless.

“I’ve been a favourite so many times and I’ve been the ultimate underdog several times. I like being the underdog a little bit,” she said.

“You don’t have any pressure. Being the favourite is fun, too, because then you feel like you’re the one to beat. If it came down to it, I would prefer to be the underdog.”

Williams, who is a five-time Australian Open winner, added: “I feel really calm actually. I feel really calm and really relaxed. I feel really good. I don’t feel like I’m panicking. I don’t feel like I’m doing anything over the top. I think for me that’s a key.”