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Former world number one Azarenka made her name with victory
in Miami in 2009 and followed that up with another triumph in
2011 but hampered by injuries, she has fallen down the world
rankings in the past year to 36.
The Belarusian, who has not been in Miami for three years, had
to fight back from 3-1 down in the second set to ensure she
advanced in straight sets.
"I felt I played really good in the first set but in the second
I dropped a little my aggressivity," said Azarenka. "But it is
nice to be back somewhere where I had a lot of success. I've
always loved this city and this tournament."
Azarenka will face a tough test in the next round with in form
Jankovic coming off a run to the Indian Wells final before
falling to Romanian Simona Halep.
Third-seed Halep will face Czech Nicole Vaidisova, the former
world number seven back on the tour after ending her retirement.
The 25-year-old Vaidisova beat Hungarian Timea Babos 6-1 7-6 in
what was her first WTA-level match since Memphis in 2010.
Russian wildcard Daria Gavrilova advanced past New Zealand's,
Marina Erakovic who had to retire with an ankle injury when down
5-1.
Gavrilova will face compatriot and second seed Maria Sharapova
in the second round.
Top seed Serena Williams, who had to pull out of her semi-final
in Indian Wells with a knee injury, says she will be ready to
face Romanian Monica Niculescu on Friday.
"It's okay. I know I'm going to have to manage the pain. I think
you just have to figure out the best way around it. I don't want
to put much pressure on it before (Friday) " said Williams, who
has won seven titles at Miami.
(Reporting By Simon Evans. Editing by Steve Keating)
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