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 2010 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. While the Williams sisters have the power and strength to dominate on hard courts, both are heading towards the dusk of their careers, and fans wouldn't be surprised to find one of the large contingent of talented young Eastern European players coming through at the 2010 Australian Open.

Players to watch at the  2010 Australian Open include Russian glamour girl, and 2008 champion Maria Sharapova, who is finally back in top form after missing almost an entire season due to a shoulder injury. The seemingly indomitable Serena Williams will enter the tournament as an antepost favourite in the Australian Open betting markets, while sister, Venus, is unlikely to be far off the mark at the tournament.

The cast of rapidly improving players at the tournament includes Dinara Safina, desperate to win her first grand slam title. Serbia's Jelena Jankovic and Ana Ivanovic both experienced severe dips in form in 2009 and will be looking to dominate their opponents again in 2010, while the likes of Elena Dementieva and Svetlana Kuznetosva will look to leave the Russian flag flying over Melbourne Park at the end of January.