Tennis star Victoria Azarenka has claimed that her relationship with rapper Redfoo has helped her deal with fame.

The former world number one, who lost her top ranking to Serena Williams earlier this year, is said to have been in a relationship with the singer for two years.

"It's funny because he's a funny dude," BBC Sport quotes Azarenka as saying. "I watched him on X Factor and stuff and we talked about it.

"It's actually fun because I know him from one side and then I see him on TV from another side. It's exciting.

"It shows you have always to be really just you. It doesn't matter who you are. It's the best way to be more personal with anyone, supporter or press or anyone, you have to be open and honest."

Azarenka is seeded to meet Williams in the final of the WTA Championships next Sunday.