The crowning of another major champion

Martina Hingis plays as the third seed, the first time she is entered lower than a seeding of #2 in a Grand Slam since her first major win at the 1997 Australian Open. And it has been a long time since notching up her last major which was at the 1999 Australian Open. Three years it has been and she is hungry to prove that she can still beat her nemeses and rise again to the top. Most of Martina’s problems however have stemmed from her inability to play with the power hitters of the tour and thus her confidence and mental strength have slowly disappeared. Possibly coming in as the hunter instead of the #1 ranked woman will help her, by taking away the pressure and helping her play away from the spotlight. Her “extended off season” has seen her make a few improvements, including beefing up her first serve and taking a few more chances in the forecourt. But will it all be enough under the pressure of a top 5 power-hitter in a crucial match situation?

Rounding out the four seeds is Kim Clijsters, who only came into the foray last season with her epic performance in the Roland Garros finals. She was two points away from capturing her first major, signalling the fact that Kim is well and truly ready to join the elite – correction, Kim has already joined the elite, she simply needs a major to confirm her status. Will the Australian Open be the one? She has a power game, composure, variety and athleticism which can take her all the way to the title. However, does she believe she can beat the best in these important Grand Slam matches? Despite having gotten to the finals of Roland Garros, Kim is still yet to notch up a “big-player” scalp at a Grand Slam. And oftentimes, inconsistency still mars her game from time to time. Will it be a factor at the Open this year?

Serena Williams plays as the fifth seed and has every opportunity to capture her second major title. Her talent and prowess is unmatched on the tour, except by her sister. In fact, it would be bold to say but in many areas of the game, Serena is a notch ahead of Venus, with a better forehand, more variety on the first and second serve and a willingness to use more variety. Serena at her

Go To Page: 1 2 3