Australian Open Preview

(1) Lindsay Davenport (USA)

 

The world number 1 who did not claim a Grand Slam last year but was in the best form for a long time will definitely be going into this year's Australian Open with something to prove. Previous winner in 2000 has a bout of bronchitis and was forced to pull out of the Medibank International last week but is confident of putting in a good performance. Will face some battles along the way against Venus Williams or Alicia Molik, Jelena Kostanic and Karolina Sprem, which if she comes through pretty well will put her in good stead to claim the title she so desperately deserves. But on the other side can she still battle with Serena, Amelie, Sharapova or Kuznetsova after her earlier battles?

 

(2) Amelie Mauresmo (FRA)

 

Former world number 1 has been struggling with an injury a recent weeks but has travelled down under ready for her first Grand Slam crown which so many believe is possible. She moves brilliantly around the court and runs down every ball that comes back over her side making her difficult to play. But she can crack under pressure which we saw at Roland Garros last year maybe Australia is more of her hunting ground after all she has been a runner-up here way back in 1999. Faces an incredibly difficult first round draw against Australian Samantha Stosur who nearly claimed two titles in as many weeks this year but failed on both occasions surely has the ability to cause a huge upset.

 

(3) Anastasia Myskina  (RUS)

 

French Open Champion will be looking at going far in this years tournament has she vowed at the end of last season to become the first Russian world number one. With the likes of Davenport, Venus Williams and Elena Dementieva in her half it will be a tough task to advance into the final stages of the tournament but has the talent to get her there. She has to back up her serve with more power as it becomes vulnerable against the more powerful opponents but her court movement and shot making can make up for weaknesses at times. Quarter-finalists for sure but not the winner!

 

(4) Maria Sharapova (RUS)

 

Wimbledon and WTA Tour Champion will be hungry for yet more success at a young age and has matured slightly in the past few months. Even though her father may become a second Richard Williams by annoying fellow players with both on and off court antics which could bring on some negative press for this tennis beauty. One of the top 3 favourites for her 100% commitment, motivation and determination in every match along with booming service action and groundstrokes making her a match for the best. The intense heat may effect her concentration and her ability to play her best tennis due to a lack of experience in such fierce heat but will not lie down easily. She is in a tough quarter of the draw with fellow Russians Kuznetsova and Zvonareva, which makes it more intriguing to see which Russian is still standing by the end of it all. Possible Semi-Final clash with Serena Williams?

 

(5) Svetlana Kuznetsova (RUS)

 

The best physically enabled Russian and the most powerful from the back of the court will be looking to back up her US Open win with another major under her belt. Does not get talked about like the other Russians and just lets her tennis do the talking during big tournaments along with help from Martina Navratilova. She possess good shots from all sides of the court but has a very effective serve and plays beautiful groundstrokes. Should easily sweep past other rivals and face Sharapova and set up a clash with either Mauresmo or Williams in semi-finals?

 

(6) Elena Dementieva (RUS)

 

French and US Open Runner up felt a little disappointed and not giving her best shot during the finals of such major tournaments and is looking to surprise the tennis world yet again. Claimed a season boost in Hong Kong when winning the exhibition, there beating Venus and Sharapova in fine style but was forced to withdraw in Sydney due to heat illness. The service action needs a lot of work to get her recognised has a complete tennis player even though her current serve does aggravate players concentration. Speculation, over whether she will compete or not, will be confirmed on Monday. She also does not have a straightforward draw.

 

(7) Serena Williams (USA)

 

This tough cookie had a bit of a bad year last year not claiming a major title and did not play last years Australian Open due to still recovering from a knee injury so will be looking forward to returning back to Melbourne. She still has the power and the game to win the Grand Slams but does she have the motivation and determination to sustain her threat in the women’s game this year may be a testing year for both Williams sisters. She has a relatively easy draw and enjoys playing down-under her biggest threat early on will be from Nadia Petrova in the 4th round and then a possible clash with Amelie Mauresmo in the quarter-finals. She will make the semi-final's I fear depending on many factors has usual with the Williams.

 

(8) Venus Williams (USA)

 

This William sister does not have the motivation anymore that she used to have and have now found outside interests that have taken her time and effort from the court. Lots of people believe that her Grand Slam glory days are over and she may think that as well. It will take a big battle for Venus to claim this crown and would put her back into the main game of women’s tennis and reinstate her un-defeatist aura that she has lost. Alicia Molik will be an interesting clash against this former world number one, which will be a test of where she is in many aspects of the tennis world. 4th round will be her best this year!

 

(9) Vera Zvonareva (RUS)

 

Emotional and sometimes desperate are words to describe this Russian. She had a good year last year and wants to do better this year but her mentality lets her down during tight matches. When in a tight situation tears of emotion and desperation would come flowing out with a towel in her face during changeover which needs to be solved if she is ever going to win a Grand Slam. On her day she can beat or come close to upsetting the top players and the 4th round clash against Kuznetsova could be her day of turning it all around.

 

(10) Alicia Molik (AUS)

 

This Australian has turned her fortunes around and finally people are talking about her winning a major tournament. She claimed a big title last year in Switzerland upsetting Maria Sharapova in the final and winning Medibank International last week has boosted her confidence hugely. Will have millions on her side and increasing in confidence after every match may go all the way but I don't think she has what it takes to win the Australian Open this year.

 

Anna Ivanovic (Serb)

 

This extremely talented youngster will be looking to extend her excellent run of good form but lacks experience to win her first maindraw Grand Slam title. All experience is testing and knowledgeable for her and will appreciate everything that happens around her so she can learn for future battles. Claimed her maiden title last week in Canberra and faces seeded player Iveta Benesova which she can dispose of relatively easy. Obviously the build-up around her may be difficult to deal with at such a young age people are already talking about her being a future number 1 and who knows maybe the youngest Grand Slam winner.

 

Michaëlla Krajicek (Ned)

 

Sister of Richard Krajicek is already soaring up the rankings and getting her name established without any help from her brother. Still ranked 235 but only 16 years old will by heading towards the top 100 by the end of the year if not well inside there. She plays Stephanie Foretz, which will not be an easy match but has the capabilities to advance into the second round.