Australian Open News

Serena Williams has announced that she'll be unable to defend her Australian Open title at the event which starts on 19th January. Her ongoing knee problem has put paid to her chances of using this event to add to her haul of six Grand Slam titles. 

Serena has said that her knee feels good though, and she was close to making it for Australia, so hopefully fans shouldn't have to miss out on her appearing in the other Grand Slams in 2004.

But more bad news for the organisers is that two times winner Jennifer Capriati, Monica Seles and Mary Pierce have also opted out. And it's possible that Kim Clijsters, seeded no 2 may, have to give the championship a miss due to an ankle injury.

And Jelena Dokic has also said she'll not be taking part for the 3rd year running, as she doesn't believe her game is currently up to the standard necessary to compete at the highest level for this tournament. 

With so many of the top stars out, or at least doubtful, Serena's sister Venus who was last year's runner up has been seeded highly. Despite having missed a number of recent events through her own long term injury, 2004 could be her comeback year, and there would be no better way to start off than winning the Australian Open.