Two-time Grand Slam champion Victoria Azarenka has admitted that she is taking the US Open "day by day" following her comfortable first-round win at Flushing Meadows.

The 26-year-old, who has reached the final in New York twice before, opened her account with a straight-sets win over Lucie Hradecka.

"I actually take it day by day really, not even match by match, but really day by day and in the match point by point," Azarenka told reporters. "It can sound cheesy and stuff, but that's the best possible way for me right now.

"I kind of put myself in this mindset where time doesn't really exist that much. There is no past or future. I just try to stay really in the present and find the way to enjoy that and improve in that particular moment."

Azarenka will face Yanina Wickmayer in the second round.