Victoria Azarenka of Belarus celebrates her victory against Samantha Stosur of Australia during her WTA tennis championships match in Istanbul, Oct 26, 2011. [Photo/Agencies]

Stosur pummelled by Azarenka

Azarenka, who did not play on Tuesday, looked far fresher than the US Open champion Stosur, keeping the 27-year-old on the back foot with searing groundstrokes, most of which were accompanied by her trademark whine.

Stosur's heavy topspin and slice had little effect on the bright green and purple indoor court and she slipped to a fifth loss in five against world number four Azarenka in one hour and 18 minutes.

She refused to blame the schedule for her limp display, having been slated to play in the first match on Wednesday despite finishing off Sharapova at close to midnight the previous night.

"Oh, I can't blame that," said the Australian. "It was a quick turnaround, but I felt like I was ready to go.

"It just wasn't fast or crisp enough. I felt like I got pushed around the court."

All is not lost for Stosur, however, as she can still qualify for the semi-finals if she beats Li Na in her final round-robin match.

Samantha Stosur of Australia reacts during her WTA tennis championships match against Victoria Azarenka of Belarus in Istanbul, Oct 26, 2011. [Photo/Agencies]