It's Williams Over Azarenka (Again) ISTANBUL - Serena Williams didn't need to win Thursday in Sinan Erdem Arena to keep her hopes of winning the TEB BNP Paribas WTA Championships Istanbul alive. But she clearly had little interest in loosening her grip on her rivalry with current WTA No. 1 Victoria Azarenka, notching her fifth win against her in 2012 by the score of 6-4, 6-4. The match, far more straightforward than their three-set battle in the United States Open final in September, improved Williams's head-to-head record with Azarenka to 11-1. After seven holds to open the match, Williams broke for 5-3 in a game in which Azarenka double-faulted twice. Azarenka broke back in the next game to get back on serve at 5-4, but then again double-faulted twice in her next service game to gift Williams the set, 6-4. Azarenka, who lets her temper get the better of her on court far less than she did earlier in her career, gave her racket a taste of the gritty indoor hardcourt as she walked to her chair. Tension relieved, Azarenka broke Williams twice early in the second set to take a 3-0 lead, but with strong returning from Williams and more untimely double faults from Azarenka, the American turned the second frame in her favor. The match ended with an Azarenka double fault on match point. "Well, I've been practicing really hard, and I actually expected to play better," Williams said of her form in Istanbul. If I could just play the way I have been in practice it would be more comprehensive matches. So hopefully as the tournament goes on I can get better. If not, I hope to do better next year. Although she still has business to finish in Istanbul, Williams indicated eagerness for the next Grand Slam on the calendar: the Australian Open in January. "I can't wait to get to Australia," she said. I wish it started next month. Having played on back-to-back-to-back days, Williams gets a day of rest Friday before the semifinals Saturday. She could face Azarenka again in the final should Azarenka win her final round robin match against Li Na and the following semifinal. "She's playing great tennis," Azarenka said of Williams. I mean, she's letting her tennis speak for itself. For me I don't want to speak for Maria or anybody else, but my biggest opponent is her right now. I'll do everything I can. I might still have a chance to play against her in this tournament, so we'll see.