• What the Deuce

Fresh approach signals a promising future for Azarenka

Victoria Azarenka has climbed to No. 6 in the WTA rankings © Getty Images

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When Victoria Azarenka won the Sony Ericsson Open title in Miami two years ago a bright future was predicted for the talented teenager.

Having already scooped titles in Brisbane and Memphis she was widely considered one of the hottest young prospects in the game, but she failed to live up to the hype as close friend Caroline Wozniacki muscled in on the act and won the race to reach the top of the world rankings.

When Azarenka arrived in Miami a fortnight ago, she was not considered a genuine contender. Having picked up just two titles since her Miami victory two years ago, Azarenka struggled for consistency and lacked the bite to finish off opponents.

She reached a new low in February this year when she crashed out of the opening round in Doha against Daniela Hantuchova. Leading 6-4 and clearly on top, Azarenka appeared to be cruising until she suffered a complete capitulation as she slumped to a 4-6 6-1 6-2 defeat, prompting a rare return to her native Belarus.

"I went home and spent three days at home just by myself and just realised a few things that I want to do with my life, how to really find that balance and to raise my level," Azarenka said, as she revealed she briefly considered quitting the sport. "For a second, really slight second, but then my mom just kicked my ass for that."

There is no doubting Azarenka's talent; having seen off world No. 2 Kim Clijsters, No. 3 Vera Zvonareva on her way to the title in Miami she is more than capable of mixing it with the world's best.

She is fast, athletic, and with a superb backhand, she can hit the ball as hard as anyone else on the tour, but she has lacked the consistency to make it to the very top of the game.

Azarenka's mental fragility has been her biggest weakness © Getty Images

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Azarenka has been capable of flashes of brilliance, but nothing more enduring. Just a couple of months after considering calling it a day, she is back with a bang.

However, it is crucial that she now maintains her momentum. This year could be a make-or-break one for Azarenka. A sustained challenge this summer would see her establish herself as a top-five player, but if she fades away again she could be condemned to be a perennial top-twenty player.

While not her strongest surface, the clay season presents a perfect opportunity. Having struggled on the dirt last season, she has just 211 points to defend - and with French Open finalists Sam Stosur and Francesca Schiavone occupying the spots directly above her in the rankings, she could make some real inroads this spring.

Recent natural disasters in New Zealand and Japan have prompted a different approach to her sport.

"I just don't care if I lose. I'm just there to do the best I can. I'm going to fight for every ball, and what outcome comes out, it's not up to me," she said. "What I meant by not caring about losing is not to create such a big drama out of it. If you lose the match, I mean, you just lose a tennis match. It's not the end of the world.

"You can see so many things happening in the world, and I know it sounds a little bit 'out there', but look what happens in Japan, for example, and we're here playing tennis, being able to do something that we love. So, I mean, why make a big deal out of it?"

A new, mature Azarenka, who appears to have shrugged off her mental fragilities. Undone by her fiery temper in the past, she showed real composure in Miami as she claimed her second title at Crandon Park.

"I think I changed my mentality a little bit," she admits. "I'm enjoying myself so much on the court that there's no room for me for frustration, even though I know some people are really pissed off about it. They want to see me very emotional -- they like it. But that's how I am right now."

With a smile on her face, she could be ready to enjoy the success that many tipped her for two years ago.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.