The win annointed Azarenka as the firm favorite to win the title after No. 3 Maria Sharapova joined No. 1 Serena Williams on the fourth-round casualty list.
It also renewed the focus on her boyfriend, known for his wild hair and wilder music. Redfoo, the LMFAO frontman, had been a regular fixture at Azarenka's matches, usually cheering her on in a T-shirt that says, "Team Vika."
During her on-court interview, Azarenka spoke about how the two spent the run-up to the tournament in Sydney, where Redfoo served as a judge on "The X Factor Australia," a reality show and music competition.
Rennae Stubbs, a former player who does on-court interviews for the host broadcaster, joked that Azarenka and Redfoo should buy a home in Australia.
"That's what Redfoo was saying, we should get a house here," Azarenka told the crowd, laughing when Stubbs then lifted the 24-year-old Belarussian's left hand and noted it lacked a ring.
"It better be bigger than Caro's," Azarenka quipped, referring to Caroline Wozniacki's earlier on-court revelation that her new engagement ring from golfer Rory McIlroy weighed a whopping 8 carats.
Azarenka dismissed questions about marriage proposals in her post-match press conference, but continued with comments about wanting a big ring-- or in her words "a big, big bling."
One day does she want one bigger than Wozniacki's?
"It better be!" she deadpanned.
Azarenka's next opponent is either No. 5 Agnieszka Radwanska or Garbine Muguruza.
For Stephens, who also talks openly about her expensive tastes, the loss marked the exit of the last American from the singles draw.
The rising American star who has excelled on big stages in the past -- last year she beat Serena Williams in the quarterfinals here -- praised Azarenka's aggressive game.
"She's obviously No. 2 in the world," said No. 13-ranked Stephens. "She's just a really tough competitor."
Updated on: January 20, 2014 14:52 IST
