"I'm really happy that I find the ability to turn around my matches no matter what the circumstances are on the court, " said the Belorussian, who was criticized after taking a lengthy medical timeout before winning her Australian Open semifinal against Sloane Stephens in late January.

CNN: STORY HIGHLIGHTS

"You can change the game around by playing an unbelievable point or return but taking a 12-minute timeout, I don't think it was fair play, " said Dementieva.

BBC: SPORT | Tennis | Pierce fights back to reach final

The chill from the crowd was a remnant of Azarenka's semifinal win over American teenager Sloane Stephens, when Azarenka was criticized for taking a 10-minute medical timeout near the end of the match.

WSJ: Azarenka Beats Li to Win Australian Open