Serena and Azarenka set to dazzle Hua Hin

Williams is making her second appearance in Thailand (her first in 2007 was on a private visit) and is accompanied by her sister and a hitting partner Sacha Bajin – or “Big Sacha”. Conspicuously, her French coach Patrick Mouratoglou is not among her entourage.

“I’ve been here before and had a good time. It’s always good to get around to see local culture. I look forward to it, just ‘geting my hands dirty’ locally,” said the 32-year-old 2012 Olympics gold medallist, who carries a 17-3 head-to-head record against Azarenka.

Despite winning 17 Grand Slam trophies and an Olympic gold medal last year, the world No 1 is still looking for further challenges in life.

“When you wake up every day, you have the opportunity to play the sport that you love so much. It’s not even a challenge, it’s more of a joy. As long as I’m happy and enjoy myself, I will continue to do my job,” said the American, who is the oldest-ever 

No 1 player. While most 30-something players struggle to catch up with their young rivals, it works the opposite way for Williams, who at her top form is faster and stronger than anyone.

“I really have no idea how I manage to do that. I just enjoy playing tennis. I feel great. At this point, age is just a number for me. I feel like I am in my early 20s,” said Serena, who was recently named best female athlete of the year by the Associated Press.

Asked what message she would deliver to Thai young players, the American said: “Just always be positive like me. As young players, you never know what is going to happen. I come from a large country, where there’s a lot of competition, so just be positive,” said Serena, who before she takes on Azarenka on court today, confronted the Belarussian in a Thai silk fashion show yesterday evening. “I’m definitely no model. I will do my best not to fall and break my back,” she joked.

Azarenka, who has been here twice before, moving on to win the Australian Open over the last two years, seems fitter than last year. But for injuries that led to a series of defeats after the US Open, shewould have had an impressive season.

“Last year was an unfortunate situation but it’s always a part of a learning experience. I just have to prepare my body for next year and that’s what I have been focused on. I work on different approaches for my fitness and diet. It takes time to learn things and to experience new experiments,” added Azarenka, who in the morning gave alms to monks on a beach along with longtime coach Sam Sumyk and physical trainer Meilen Tu, a former WTA player. 

Asked about the political instability plaguing the country, Azarenka said she was more concerned about tennis and came here to make fans happy. “I think we are here to play tennis and keep focus on that. What happens in the world is sometimes unfortunate. We try to make the best out of it. We have to put on a good show, make people happy. They enjoy their time as we do.

Of the alms-giving she said: “It’s  a tradition that I have been doing for the last three years. It’s great and something very unusual for me to get up early and give alms,” added the two-time Australian Open champion.

The sold-out exhibition match is due today at 5am at the Hua Hin Centennial Park and can be seen live on Channel 3.