Australian Open 2012 live stream

As the Australian Open 2009 began, as many as four women have the ability to get their hands on the world No. 1 ranking. All four need to win the tournament to get their hands on the number 1 ranking, and a couple need their nearest rivals to slip up. Jelena Jankovic, Dinara Safina, Serena Williams and Elena Dementieva could all leave Melbourne as the best player in the world.

It seems that womens tennis is in a transition phase, and the time is ripe for someone to step up and grab the sport by the scruff of the neck. no one has managed to dominate the rankings since Justine Henin hung up her racquet – but it is only a matter of time.
Rankings mean nothing to Serena Williams though. The current world No. 2 is more than 1200 ranking points behind Jankovic and only just ahead of Safina at No. 3, but it means nothing to the former champion – Williams is the world No. 1 in her own mind, and in such a psychological sport maybe that is all that matters.

"Yeah, she's ranked higher than me. But I would feel crazy sitting here being a professional tennis player and saying that someone is better than me. I don't care if I was 1000 in the world, I would still feel like I was the best."

Serena began her campaign in Melbourne facing the hottest day so far and the spirited challenge of Meng Yuan from China. Yuan, the world No. 123, was a wildcard entry, claiming her ticket as the highest-ranked player from Asia not to get into the main draw by right. Given her chance, she tried everything she knew to make the most of her chances. Unfortunately, Williams saw her coming and stopped her in her tracks with an impressive 6-3 6-2.

Williams within sight of a major trophy is a very different animal from the Williams who flaps and fluffs her way through the first few matches. One of the most terrifying competitors on the circuit, she can reduce even the sternest of opposition to a quivering wreck with just a glare or a growl, but in the first round there is no need to be quite so aggressive.

For the moment, Williams believes that she is the best in the world regardless of what the world rankings say. Her next task is to prove it to everyone else as the rounds slip by.

Watch live streaming action of all the women's Australian open 2009 games with Ladbrokes, and get a free £10 bet.