Victoria Azarenka battles past Venus Williams in Madrid

Victoria Azarenka knocked out 16th-seed Venus Williams in the first round of the Mutua Madrid Open this evening.

In what was a heavyweight first-round clash, world number 31 Azarenka was largely in control against the veteran American.

The Belarusian got off to the perfect start by breaking Williams in the opening game before coming through 6-3 in a set she dominated.

The second was much more nip and tuck, with Azarenka striking the first blow before overturned the deficit to take a 4-3 lead.

She couldn't consolidate the break, though, and soon Azarenka had booked her place in the next round by winning four of the last five games for a 7-5 success.

Two-time Grand Slam winner Azarenka will next face Croatia's Ajla Tomljanovic in the second round.