WOMEN TO WATCH

Simona Halep (Romania)

Age 27. World No.1. Aust Open record: Best result: Runner-up (2018). Will be keen to go one step further after just falling short last year. Always a nervous starter. She has lost in the first round in four of the past seven events.

Angelique Kerber (Germany)

Age 30. World No.2. Aust Open record: Best result: Champion: (2016). Massive chance to claim the title for a second time. Was unlucky not to win through to the final last year. Helped Germany make the final of the Hopman Cup.

Caroline Wozniacki (Denmark)

Age 28. World No.3. Aust Open record: Best result: Champion (2018). Back to defend the title after winning in an epic final against Simona Halep last year. But has struggled at grand slams since, not making it past the second round at either Wimbledon or the US Open.

Ashleigh Barty (Australia)

Age 22. World No.15. Aust Open record: Best result: 3rd round: (2017, 2018). Australia’s best chance of claiming the women’s singles title. Enjoyed a stellar season last year, winning two titles and reaching a career high ranking, granting her a vital top-16 seeding

Serena Williams (US)

Age 37. World No.16. Aust Open record: Best result: Champion: (2003, 05, 07, 09-10, 15, 17). Returns after missing last year following the birth of her daughter. Has had limited preparation, but can never be discounted in a grand slam.

Sam Stosur (Australia)

Age 34. World No.73. Aust Open record: Best result: 4th round: (2006, 2010). Could this be the last time we see Stosur in the main draw at the Open? Stosur has lost in the first round in the past three years.