Australian Open Preview

By Chris Davies
January 18 2004

As the first Grand Slam is just around the corner we preview the top 8 seeds who mean business and also the outsiders who can cause big upsets

(1) Justine Henin-Hardenne (BEL)

After a phenomenal year in 2003 the petite Belgian is focused on picking up where it finished last season. With Serena out and possibly Clijsters the world number one has an incredible oppourtunity to lift the Australian Open crown and add to her collection. Winning last weeks Adidas International puts her in good sted but will have to overcome Davenport, Mauresmo and Clijsters or Williams to win the title.

(2) Kim Clijsters (BEL)

Probably a surprise to many that this 20 year old as still yet to win a major other than the end-of-year championships. Reached the French and US Open finals last year losing to compatriot but will change that this year. Sadly Clijsters injured her ankle during the Hopman Cup and could be a major doubt to advance very far in this years tournament but will always give 150% extra than anyone else out there and will also have the support from the Australian crowd.

(3) Venus Williams (USA)

Eventhough she is only ranked 11th in the world with help from a protective ranking she gets seeded number 3. Reached the final last year but has not won a major since 2002 and returns after 6 months with an abdominal injury. The door is wide open and eventhough Williams is only 23 she is one of the most experienced in the draw and could easily walk away with her first Australian Open crown. This year the Williams sisters will be looking to set the record straight but with the Belgians and Russians it won't be easy.

(4) Amelie Mauresmo (FRA)

The French 24 year old has reached the final, way back in 1999 losing to the supreme Martina Hingis and being her first only major final tournament. Mauresmo has a brilliant game with powerful strokes, finese shots and good physical appearance. Consistency may be her biggest problem but will need to be 100% focused on every match she plays especially as she is scheduled for a semi-final with Henin-Hardenne.

(5) Lindsay Davenport (USA)

The most experienced Grand Slam champion in this years draw will be looking to capitalise on Serena and Capriati's withdrawal. Incidently Davenport is the only player in the draw to be a previous Australian winner, winning back in 2000 beating Hingis 6-1, 7-5. She slightly strained her shoulder during the Adidas International last week withdrawing at the semi-final stage as a precaution for this week but is in tremendous form and could go all the way.

(6) Anastasia Myskina (RUS)

Myskina on a good day can beat anybody especially with her fantastic down the line shots in her armoury. The Russian has become a dangerous opponent in the last year but still lacks the consistency top players need but could give Williams a run for her money at Quarters day.

(7) Elena Dementieva (RUS)

The Russian has reached the semi-final in one Grand Slam before, US Open, and was tipped to be a huge threat in the WTA tour but as still to show what she's made of on the tour. She won her first title last year beating Henin-Hardenne and Davenport but that was on clay. This will be a good test for the young Russian and could point her in the right direction - maybe to get a coach whose not her mother!!

(8) Ai Sugiyama (Jpn)

The gritty Japanese player can cause trouble for any player no matter how powerful and strong they are but will struggle in this years draw. An excellent doubles player and a big threat at the net but won't set the singles draw alight maybe the doubles.

Outsiders

The Russian Trio are a big danger in this years draw.
Dinara Safina
Lina Krasnouroutskaya
Maria Sharapova