Australian Open Women's Singles Players

Serena Williams of the USA poses after winning her women's final match against Maria Sharapova of Russia on day thirteen of the Australian Open 2007 The first Grand Slam of the year, the 2011 Australian Open, is set to provide tennis fans with a thrilling spectacle.

The tournament will be played in the baking heat of the Melbourne summer on plexicushion courts, favouring players who have fast, powerful games and the strength and tenacity required to outlast opponents in challenging conditions

The battle for the Daphne Akhurst Trophy is likely to be an open, competitive affair. With Serena Williams out of the mix Kim Clijsters and Justine Henin are favourites to claim the title, but fans wouldn't be surprised to find one of the large contingent of talented young Eastern European players coming through at the 2011 Australian Open.

Players to watch at the  2011 Australian Open include Russian glamour girl, and 2008 champion Maria Sharapova, who is is one of just two players in the field to have won a grand slam title in Melbourne. Caroline Wozniacki comes into the tournament as the reigning world number one, but has never won a grand slam tourmanent and has made only one grand slam final - the 2009 US Open .

The cast of rapidly improving players at the tournament includes Na Li and Zheng Jie, who both made the semis in 2010. Serbia's Jelena Jankovic and Ana Ivanovic have both experienced severe dips in form but are overdue big performances, while the likes of Victoria Azarenka and Svetlana Kuznetosva have the potential to win at Melbourne Park at the end of January.