Storylines abound for the Australian Open
With some top players out and others racing against the clock to be fit, opportunities are ripe for Federer's 20th Major, those chasing a first Grand Slam, and a potentially historic run for Venus
Add BT as a preferred source
And finally, the wait for professional tennis's first Grand Slam of the year is over, well almost.
In the weeks leading up to the Australian Open (Jan 15-28) in Melbourne, speculation among fans over how many of the top players would make the "Happy Slam" has been rife.
Those hoping for a Serena Williams return were left wanting. Despite being close to full fitness, the seven-time Australian Open women's winner opted to stay home. She had just given birth in September and did not feel "quite ready" to compete at a high level. Joining her on the sidelines is former Australian Open winner Victoria Azarenka - stuck in California over a long-drawn battle over the custody of her son.
Copyright SPH Media. All rights reserved.
