The Frenchwoman, who won the Australian Open in 2006 when her semi-final and final opponents both retired injured, put up a brave fight but struggled to hold her own serve against an in-form opponent 10 years her junior.

Azarenka, 19, broke six of Mauresmo's nine service games as she cruised to victory in 87 minutes.

The 13th seed won her first WTA singles title at the Brisbane International this month and faces world number two Serena Williams in the fourth round on Monday.

Photographs and Text: Reuters