The Williams sisters made their long awaited return to competitive tennis this week. Despite being rusty, with nine of the last eleven championships at the All England Club, Venus and Serena are among the favorites. Moreover, the Wimbledon draw sets up the potential for a fifth all Williams final. Here’s a more detailed analysis.

World number one Caroline Wozniacki hopes to validate her ranking with a first major. However, Wozniacki will need to do some heavy lifting to achieve that feat.

In the quarterfinals, Wozniacki may have to go through 2004 Wimbledon champion Maria Sharapova. In addition, for the Dane, a semifinal encounter with defending and four time winner Serena or reigning French Open champion Na Li may be in the cards. Needless to say, Wozniacki will have to work hard to earn her maiden major.

Serena will begin her title defense by facing the talented Aravane Rezai in the first round. In the fourth round, Serena could see another sizeable French hurdle in 2007 finalist Marion Bartoli.

Later, in the quarterfinals, Serena may clash against Li who is no push over. In Li’s case, Sabine Lisicki may present difficulties in the second round. Lisicki has been regaining her form and confidence as is evident with her recent title in Birmingham.

Sharapova is again in the mix at another major. While a first round match with countrywoman Anna Chakvetadze could be testy, Sharapova should come through. Sharapova is likely to have a tougher time in the fourth round if Samantha Stosur is the opponent.

Serena had been out of commission nearly a year. For the seventh seed to claim her fifth Wimbledon crown, she will have to come up with the type of performance which resulted in her surprise victory at the Australian Open in 2007. With Serena’s track record, it’s certainly hard to bet against her. Yet, with Ana Ivanovic, Maria Kirilenko, Flavia Pennetta and Julia Goerges in the top half of the draw, there is an endless list of players capable of pulling off an upset.

As a consequence of Kim Clijsters’ withdraw due to a foot injury, last year’s finalist Vera Zvonareva is the top seed in the bottom half. Zvonareva is slated to meet either Victoria Azarenka or Francesca Schiavone in the semifinals.

Beforehand, Jelena Jankovic and five time champion Venus offer a tantalizing potential third round match-up with the victor scheduled to collide with Zvonareva in the fourth round.

2010 semifinalist Petra Kvitova is hoping to advance one step further this time. For that to occur, the Czech may have to get past Svetlana Kuznetsova in the fourth round. In the quarterfinals, Kvitova could take on Venus, Zvonareva or Jankovic.

In the first round, Schiavone will see Jelena Dokic. Thus, it may be a short stint on the grass for the Italian. If Schiavone progresses, Andrea Petkovic could stop her in the round of 16. Schiavone’s uphill climb could continue with Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova or Azarenka as possible quarterfinal adversaries.

Speaking of Azarenka, the Belarusian’s most difficult obstacle could be Pavlyuchenkova in the fourth round. If Azarenka prevails in such a showdown, she should sail to her initial major semifinal.

With no absolute front runner for the trophy, Sharapova, Venus and Serena who have been at the winner circle previously have an edge. Still, for young guns such as Wozniacki, Azarenka, Pavlyuchenkova and Kvitova, it’s a golden opportunity to seize the moment.

With a combined age of over sixty, this was the most mature major women’s final since Wimbledon 1998 whereby Jana Novotna prevailed over Nathalie Tauziat. At 30 years of age, in her first final since her title at Roland Garros, Schiavone was hoping to end her trophy drought by successfully repeating.

Since becoming the first Chinese individual to reach a major final, Li fell off the radar. After the Australian Open, the 29 year old failed to advance beyond the second round at any hardcourt event. Ultimately, the clay proved therapeutic with two semifinal showings by Li in Madrid and Rome.

After each woman held her initial two games, with a backhand volley winner, Li had double break point. With Schiavone’s forehand up the line sailing wide, Li pocketed the break. By consolidating with a love game, Li moved ahead 4-2.

With Schiavone unable to fabricate a break point, the one game difference was all Li required to seize the first set.

There was a serenity about Li which was absent in her first major final. Li had clearly learned from her loss to Kim Clijsters in Melbourne. With sizzling forehands, Li had double digit winners in the first set.

Furthermore, early on, it was conspicuous that Schiavone’s use of spin, slice, volley and overall variety were not throwing Li off balance. Instead, it was the Italian who was finding herself on her back heel.

With an error by Schiavone placing her in a triple break hole to open the second set, Li capitalized when the Italian dumped a forehand into the net.

However, with a great backhand volley winner, Schiavone manufactured her first break point of the match. Li came up with an ace to wipe out that opportunity and eventually took the game for a 2-0 lead.

In front 3-1, Li pushed an easy forehand into the net on break point erasing the chance to go up 4-1, a double break. In the end, Schiavone guarded serve.

With Schiavone serving at 2-4, Li again found herself at break point. But, for the second straight time, Schiavone did not relent and kept the gap to a single break.

With Li committing a rash of forehand miscues, Schiavone arrived at double break point. When Li’s fourth forehand of the game missed its mark, Schiavone had life at 4 all. By holding serve twice, Schiavone edged forward 6-5.

As Li served to push the second set to a tiebreaker, at deuce, a ball initially called out was correctly overturned by the umpire. Therefore, in lieu of Schiavone having set point, it was game point for Li. Unable to shake off that disappointment, Schiavone misfired on the next stroke.

The first point of the tiebreaker, Li obtained a mini-break by striking a sublime lob and volley. After sprinting to a 3-0 advantage, Li produced a beautiful backhand winner for 4-0 and took six successive points to get to championship point.

On her maiden opportunity at match point, Li watched Schiavone’s backhand travel long. She then laid down on the clay in triumph.

Schiavone acknowledged that “today it was really tough”. Moreover, the Italian congratulated Li on her wonderful win saying “[you’ve] grown up so much in the last year”. Having been in Li’s shoes’ last year, Schiavone told her “enjoy this moment” knowing that it is rare.

Schiavone has many fond memories to treasure the past two years and she expressed her gratitude: “thanks to this fantastic tournament. . . It’s a joy to kiss the clay every day. . . Many thanks for supporting me”.

Li wished her opponent the best for the remainder of the season. She dedicated the victory to a friend who was celebrating her birthday. In addition, Li thanked the crowd “for supporting me. I’ll be back next year”.

Indeed Li had an unbelievable two weeks. Every time she stepped on the court it was potentially historic. Li became the first Chinese player to reach the quarterfinals and semifinals at the French Open.

Li ousted three favorites to get to the final: Petra Kvitova in the fourth round, Victoria Azarenka in the quarterfinals and Maria Sharapova in the semifinals. Li will leap to a career and country best ranking of number four while Schiavone will move down to number 7.

Despite exiting in the third round, Caroline Wozniacki will stay at number one. In spite of a second round departure, Clijsters will keep her number two ranking and Vera Zvonareva who went out in the fourth round is secure at number three.

Strangely enough, Maria Sharapova is also a favorite on clay. The Russian’s victory in Rome two weeks ago demonstrates that she can power her way to a title on this surface. As such, Sharapova deserves to be in the column of players to beware of.

More so than previous years, there has been no standout on the red clay this season. Julia Goerges surprised world number one Caroline Wozniacki in the final in Stuttgart. Petra Kvitova made her debut into the top ten with her victory in Madrid, stunning world number four Victoria Azarenka.

Therefore, any one residing in the vicinity of the ten best from world number three Vera Zvonareva to Azarenka to defending champion Francesca Schiavone to Kvitova has a fair shot at hoisting the title. The French Open draw is revealed. Here’s an analysis of the key match-ups.

Wozniacki’s first round opponent is Kimiko Date-Krumm. The Japanese is know for pulling upsets at majors. Last year, she shocked Dinara Safina in the same round. As a result, Wozniacki will have no time to relax early on.

Another challenging encounter for the world number one could come in the third round where she may face 2009 French Open winner Svetlana Kuznetsova. Wozniacki’s progression to the final could be further complicated by 2010 finalist Samantha Stosur or Goerges in the quarterfinals and either Jelena Jankovic, Zvonareva, or Schiavone in the semifinals.

A sole semifinal showing in Brussels is Zvonareva’s best performance on clay this year. The Russian could stumble in the third round if she clashes with compatriot Nadia Petrova or in the fourth round where countrywoman Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova could offer tremendous resistance.

Also in the top half of the draw, Schiavone and Jankovic could collide in the round of 16. Either player could battle Zvonareva in the quarterfinals.

Azarenka and Sharapova are in the bottom section of the draw. Despite being in a winning position in Rome, Azarenka had to retire in the quarterfinals against Sharapova due to a right elbow injury. Whether Azarenka has fully recovered from that problem will determine how well she performs in Paris. Azarenka and Sharapova could meet in the semifinals.

Prior to that, Azarenka may need to bypass someone also with injury issues in the fourth round, 2008 French Open champion, Ana Ivanovic.

Yet, Azarenka’s tallest hurdle may be Kvitova in the quarterfinals which would be a rematch of the Madrid Open final. As a newcomer to the top ten, Kvitova is playing with the least pressure which makes her even more dangerous.

But, if the draw holds, Kvitova and Na Li will duel in the round of 16. With two semifinals placements, Li is a force on this surface.

Before a possible semifinal with Kvitova or Azarenka, Sharapova could have her hands full in the fourth round against Yanina Wickmayer or Agnieszka Radwanska. In addition, ahead in the quarterfinals for Sharapova could be Andrea Petkovic or Clijsters.

Speaking of Clijsters, if the Belgian is able to find her clay feet in the initial two rounds, Maria Kirilenko would be a huge test in the third round or Petkovic in the fourth round.

In conclusion, it’s truly a tossup as to which player will emerge as the conqueror at Roland Garros. If Wozniacki wants to live up to her ranking and end her drought at the majors, she will have to stray from her comfort zone and rely more on offense rather than defense.

Sharapova and Kvitova with their titles on clay have shown that big hitters who are not necessarily graceful on this surface can overpower their rivals come away with the big prize.

With the unpredictability in the ladies’ game, it would not be surprising to see Clijsters carry the French Open despite no real play on clay for five years. The drama unfolds in a less than a day.

Sharapova and Stosur last collided in the round of 16 at the Sony Ericsson Open with the Russian triumphing in straight sets. With a 7-0 record against the Australian, Sharapova came in oozing confidence.

From the initial strike, Sharapova used her powerful forehand to assert her will and broke in the opening game. Then, with a brilliant volley winner, Sharapova consolidated at love. Later, with Stosur slicing a backhand long, Sharapova took a double break lead for 3-0.

After Sharapova went ahead 4-0, Stosur broke to narrow the gap to 2-4. However, with another forehand from Stosur traveling out of play, Sharapova had triple break point and converted. Next, Sharapova overcame a 0-30 deficit and closed out the set.

In the second set, the players traded breaks the first two games and Stosur held for 2-1. At that point, it appeared that this could turn into a contest.

But, following a love service game by Sharapova, Stosur pushed a forehand up the line long to hand her rival triple break point. When Stosur committed another miscue, Sharapova was again in control with a 3-2 advantage.

With Sharapova in front 40-0, Stosur worked her way to deuce and the later got a break point when her counterpart double faulted. Still, Stosur could not capitalize. Sharapova guarded serve to stretch her lead to 4-2.

Ultimately, the moment arrived for Sharapova to serve for the championship at 5-4. With Stosur sending the return long, Sharapova had match point. On the first opportunity, Sharapova connected with a forehand up the line to bag her maiden title of 2011.

Sharapova’s first final of the year was at the Sony Ericsson Open where she was beaten by Victoria Azarenka. The two actually clashed in the quarterfinals in Rome. After taking the first set, Azarenka was forced to forfeit the match because of a right elbow injury.

Sharapova took full advantage of that lifeline sweeping past world number one Caroline Wozniacki to reach the final. Interestingly, Sharapova’s last title was in May 2010 on clay in Strasbourg. Before today, the Russian had lost four straight finals: Birmingham, Stanford, Cincinnati and Miami.

Stosur put an optimistic spin on her performance this week and acknowledged the great play of her opponent.

For her part, Sharapova stated “I’m so excited to be the champ, I made the semifinals before and it’s always been a special place for me. I’ve always dreamed of winning here”.

Moreover, Sharapova thanked her team, her Italian and Russian fans for their support and cited it’s “only the beginning of many things to come” with the French Open and Wimbledon around the corner. As a result of this championship, Sharapova will assume the number seven ranking.

Petra Kvitova in Madrid, Julia Goerges in Stuttgart, Azarenka in Marbella, Wozniacki in Charleston and now Sharapova, this clay court swing emphasizes that there is no dominant woman on this surface this year. Consequently, another Francesca Schiavone coming out of obscurity to hoist the trophy at Roland Garros would not be shocking.

Clijsters and Martinez Sanchez were all squared in the break department until Clijsters broke for a second time which made the difference in the first set.

Martinez Sanchez captured an early break in the second set, but Clijsters found the means to level the set. Still at 4 all, Martinez Sanchez fired a winner for double break point. When Clijsters’ forehand landed long, the Spaniard went ahead 5-4.

Subsequently, with a volley winner, Martinez Sanchez arrived at double set point and converted when Clijsters’ return traveled long.

In the deciding set, Clijsters secured a quick break and consolidated to move in front 3-0. However, when Clijsters flubbed a pass, Martinez Sanchez had her second break opportunity of the game. With Clijsters netting a backhand, Martinez Sanchez was gifted the break.

Yet, with a double fault on break point, Martinez Sanchez handed Clijsters a 4-2 edge. Clijsters was able to consolidate. Then with triple match point, Clijsters struck a forehand up the line winner to bed the proceedings.

Martinez Sanchez is not a garden variety player. As such, MiamiTennisNews.com asked Clijsters what she found difficult about facing such an opponent: “she’s a lefty. That’s always a little bit tougher. . . Just the way she played, as well, she reminded me [of Alize] Cornet at the Australian Open. . . She had a really flat backhand and a forehand she hits with some more topspin. It’s always a little hard when you have a player who plays two totally different shots on each side”.

Further, Clijsters explained “[at times], my footwork wasn’t right and I was not playing the game that I should be playing. I’m the one who should be going for the lines and being aggressive and stepping into the court. A couple of times I felt like I was in a backhand rally with her that she was dictating a lot of the points. That’s obviously not the right thing to do against somebody like her”.

At Indian Wells, due to a shoulder injury, Clijsters had problems with her serve and was forced to retire in her match against Marion Bartoli. Thus, MiamiTennisNews.com inquired as to the status of that shoulder. Clijsters replied: “I’m very relieved that it is getting better, because I was really worried there. . . It takes a lot of work and I have to focus a lot of my attention and my time on my shoulder. But, I know if I can do that, it will stay stable. That’s what I’m hoping for”.

Ana Ivanovic came through against veteran Virginie Razzano. Ivanovic progressed 2-6, 6-2, 3-0 as Razzano retired with a left thigh strain. For the first time in three years, Ivanovic is into the fourth round in Miami and will battle Clijsters for a quarterfinal berth.

In terms of that match-up, Clijsters expressed “I always root for her. . .It’s so nice to see that she’s doing well and that she’s happy and playing well. But, obviously tomorrow night I will just try and do what I do well and what I have done well against her in the past, and that’s . . . be really aggressive and go for the lines”.

Francesca Schiavone is also into the fourth round. Schiavone defeated Lourdes Dominguez Lino 6-4, 7-6. Agnieszka Radwanska will be Schiavone’s counterpart in the next round. Radwanska ousted Maria Kirilenko 7-6, 6-3.

Third seed, Vera Zvonareva beat Jarmila Groth in straight sets while Bartoli pounced Ekaterina Makarova 6-0, 6-2. This sets up a fourth round match between the two winners.

Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova downed Petra Kvitova in three sets. The Russian will face the winner of the Victoria Azarenka/ Dominika Cibulkova which takes place in the night session.

On the ATP side, Rafael Nadal, the world number one may battle 2009 finalist Tomas Berdych in the quarterfinals.

With Roger Federer dropping to the number three in the rankings, the Swiss could clash with Nadal in the semifinals.  Moreover, Federer may contend with defending champion Andy Roddick in the quarterfinals.

If the draw plays out according to the seeding, in the bottom half, David Ferrer and Robin Soderling will be slated to meet in the quarterfinals.  However, Juan Martin Del Potro could spoil that face-off.

Also located in the bottom section is the hottest player on tour, world number two Novak Djokovic. The Serb could have a rematch of this year’s Australian Open final in the quarterfinals with Andy Murray.

Whether it’s Del Potro, Ferrer or Soderling in the semifinals, at this stage, Djokovic seems ready to mow over all comers.

Turning to the ladies, Caroline Wozniacki is perhaps hoping to see Na Li in the semifinals in order to avenge her Australian Open loss.

For defending champion Kim Clijsters, it’s all about her shoulder.  In the past, Clijsters has easily taken care of Victoria Azarenka and could collide with her in the quarterfinals.

Francesca Schiavone and Vera Zvonareva are possible semifinal opponents for Clijsters.  Since her rejoining the tour, Clijsters has yet to play Schiavone.  However, Clijsters has a perfect 11-0 record against the Italian.

Clijsters has encountered Zvonareva five times since coming back with the Russian prevailing on three occasions. Overall though, Clijsters has a 7-3 edge in their head to head.

For Clijsters repeating will be completely dependent on how well she has recuperated from her shoulder injury.

Main draw action begins on Tuesday March 22.  A a complete view of the male and female draws is available by clicking here.

Remember, MiamiTennisNews.com will be providing live coverage from the tournament the next two weeks. Join our Facebook Fan page at http://www.facebook.com/MiamiTennisNews and follow us on Twitter under the user name @MiamiTennisNews at http://twitter.com/MiamiTennisNews for the latest news, live scores, and results.

The 2011 Sony Ericsson Open kicks off on March 21 at the Tennis Center at Crandon Park in Miami. Today, the tournament released the acceptance list for the ATP and WTA tours. The field is stacked with past Major champions that including Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic, Andy Roddick, Kim Clijsters, Serena Williams, Venus Williams, Maria Sharapova, Francesca Schiavone and Svetlana Kuznetsova. Roddick and Clijsters will attempt to defend their titles from last year.

Here is the official tournament press release which includes the full ATP and WTA acceptance list:

GRAND SLAM PLAYER FIELD MEETS GLAM SLAM EVENT AT SONY ERICSSON OPEN
MIAMI, Fla. (www.sonyericssonopen.com) – The 2011 Sony Ericsson Open men’s and women’s player fields were announced today and the tournament will host a field worthy of a Grand Slam event with each of the top 77 ranked men’s players and 74 of the top 75 ranked women’s players in the world attending.

Once again the world’s best players including Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic, Andy Murray, Andy Roddick, Kim Clijsters, Serena Williams, Venus Williams, Maria Sharapova and Caroline Wozniacki will come together at the Tennis Center at Crandon Park, March 21-April 3 to compete for one of the most prestigious titles in tennis.

Tickets to the 2011 Sony Ericsson Open are on sale now and can be purchased by phone (305-442-3367) or via internet at www.sonyericssonopen.com. An electrifying two weeks of tennis conclude with the women’s final on Saturday, April 2 and the men’s final on Sunday, April 3.

The qualifying rounds will be played March 21-22 and will determine 12 more slots in each singles draw, while the tournament will award five men’s wildcards and eight women’s wildcards. Women’s main draw play will begin Tuesday, March 22 with the men’s main draw starting on Wednesday, March 23.

Clijsters, the defending Sony Ericsson Open women’s champion, and Djokovic, the Sony Ericsson Open men’s champion in 2007, are coming off victories at the Australian Open and will certainly be considered two of the favorites to win in Miami this year.

But the contenders to claim the Sony Ericsson Open’s Butch Buchholz trophy in 2011 are numerous indeed.

Rafael Nadal, a two-time Sony Ericsson Open finalist, will look build upon his incredible 2010 season which saw the Spanish star claim three Grand Slam titles and reclaim the World No. 1 ranking. Roger Federer, a 16-time Grand Slam champion, will return to Miami looking to claim his third Sony Ericsson Open title and his first since 2006. Andy Murray, the 2009 Sony Ericsson Open champion, is already playing in mid-season form having reached the Australian Open final and you can’t overlook defending Sony Ericsson Open champion Andy Roddick who always seems to play his best tennis on the purple courts at Crandon Park.

The women’s field is also loaded. In order for Clijsters to repeat as champion she will have to navigate through a stellar field including five-time Sony Ericsson Open champion Serena Williams, three-time champion Venus Williams, three-time Grand Slam champion Maria Sharapova, World No. 1 Caroline Wozniacki, third-ranked Vera Zvonareva, and 2010 French Open champion Francesca Schiavone.

The 2011 Sony Ericsson Open will once again be a global event with players representing 37 countries competing.

But the Sony Ericsson Open is more than just tennis, it is a total entertainment experience. High fashion, fine food, fabulous shopping and celebrity musical performances have made the tournament the most glamorous on tour.

Come see why huge crowds as well as the biggest names in music, entertainment and sports like Owen Wilson, Adrien Brody, Kim Kardashian, Anna Wintour, Jimmy Buffett, Shakira, Paulina Rubio, Alejandro Sanz, Kelly Rowland, Enrique Iglesias, Anna Kournikova, Jack Nicklaus, Dwyane Wade, Terrell Owens and Helio Castroneves visit the Sony Ericsson Open each spring.

You can call the Sony Ericsson Open ticket office at 305-442-3367 or email the ticket office at tickets@imgworld.com for more information.

2011 SONY ERICSSON OPEN ACCEPTANCE LISTS

ATP World Tour Acceptance List
1 Nadal, Rafael ESP
2 Federer, Roger SUI
3 Djokovic, Novak SRB
4 Soderling, Robin SWE
5 Murray, Andy GBR
6 Ferrer, David ESP
7 Berdych, Tomas CZE
8 Roddick, Andy USA
9 Verdasco, Fernando ESP
10 Youzhny, Mikhail RUS
11 Melzer, Jurgen AUT
12 Monfils, Gael FRA
13 Almagro, Nicolas ESP
14 Wawrinka, Stanislas SUI
15 Ljubicic, Ivan CRO
16 Fish, Mardy USA
17 Querrey, Sam USA
18 Tsonga, Jo-Wilfried FRA
19 Nalbandian, David ARG
20 Baghdatis, Marcos CYP
21 Gulbis, Ernests LAT
22 Llodra, Michael FRA
23 Isner, John USA
24 Troicki, Viktor SRB
25 Montanes, Albert ESP
26 Garcia-Lopez, Guillermo ESP
27 Ferrero, Juan Carlos ESP
28 Cilic, Marin CRO
29 Monaco, Juan ARG
30 Gasquet, Richard FRA
31 Robredo, Tommy ESP
32 Dolgopolov, Alexandr UKR
33 Simon, Gilles FRA
34 Davydenko, Nikolay RUS
35 Mayer, Florian GER
36 Kohlschreiber, Philipp GER
37 Bellucci, Thomaz BRA
38 Lu, Yen-Hsun TPE
39 Chela, Juan Ignacio ARG
40 Anderson, Kevin RSA
41 Golubev, Andrey KAZ
42 Stakhovsky, Sergiy UKR
43 Nieminen, Jarkko FIN
44 Lopez, Feliciano ESP
45 Malisse, Xavier BEL
46 Starace, Potito ITA
47 Giraldo, Santiago COL
48 Chardy, Jeremy FRA
49 Istomin, Denis UZB
50 de Bakker, Thiemo NED
51 Seppi, Andreas ITA
52 Tipsarevic, Janko SRB
53 Granollers, Marcel ESP
54 Fognini, Fabio ITA
55 Haase, Robin NED
56 Hanescu, Victor ROU
57 Becker, Benjamin GER
58 Gimeno-Traver, Daniel ESP
59 Benneteau, Julien FRA
60 Dodig, Ivan CRO
61 Mannarino, Adrian FRA
62 Kukushkin, Mikhail KAZ
63 Cuevas, Pablo URU
64 Petzschner, Philipp GER
65 Stepanek, Radek CZE
66 Berlocq, Carlos ARG
67 Berrer, Michael GER
68 Kamke, Tobias GER
69 Andujar, Pablo ESP
70 Hewitt, Lleyton AUS
71 Riba, Pere ESP
72 Nishikori, Kei JPN
73 Andreev, Igor RUS
74 Berankis, Richard LTU
75 Serra, Florent FRA
76 Gabashvili, Teymuraz RUS
77 Brands, Daniel GER

WTA Tour Acceptance List
1 Wozniacki, Caroline DEN
2 Clijsters, Kim BEL
3 Zvonareva, Vera RUS
4 Schiavone, Francesca ITA
5 Stosur, Samantha AUS
6 Williams, Venus USA
7 Li, Na CHN
8 Jankovic, Jelena SRB
9 Azarenka, Victoria BLR
10 Radwanska, Agnieszkra POL
11 Peer, Shahar ISR
12 Williams, Serena USA
13 Sharapova, Maria RUS
14 Pavlyuchenkova, Anastasia RUS
15 Bartoli, Marion FRA
16 Pennetta, Flavia ITA
17 Kanepi, Kaia EST
18 Kvitova, Petra CZE
19 Ivanovic, Ana SRB
20 Petrova, Nadia RUS
21 Rezai, Aravane FRA
22 Kleybanova, Alisa RUS
23 Kuznetsova, Svetlana RUS
24 Petkovic, Andrea GER
25 Kirilenko, Maria RUS
26 Wickmayer, Yanina BEL
27 Cibulkova, Dominika SVK
28 Martinez Sanchez, Maria JoseESP
29 Dulgheru, Alexandra ROU
30 Safarova, Lucie CZE
31 Groth, Jarmila AUS
32 Hantuchova, Daniela SVK
33 Pironkova, Tsvetana K BUL
34 Goerges, Julia GER
35 Zakopalova, Klara CZE
36 Sevastova, Anastasija LAT
37 Szavay, Agnes HUN
38 Vinci, Roberta ITA
39 Shvedova, Yaroslava KAZ
40 Peng, Shuai CHN
41 Makarova, Ekaterina RUS
42 Schnyder, Patty SUI
43 Zheng, Jie CHN
44 Errani, Sara ITA
45 Benesova, Iveta CZE
46 Bacsinszky, Timea SUI
47 Hercog, Polona SLO
48 Mattek-Sands, Bethanie USA
49 Chakvetadze, Anna RUS
50 Kerber, Angelique GER
51 Vesnina, Elena RUS
52 Dushevina, Vera RUS
54 Jovanovski, Bojana SRB
55 Date-Krumm, Kimiko JPN
56 Zahlavova Strycova, Barbora CZE
57 Baltacha, Elena GBR
58 Morita, Ayumi JPN
59 Arn, Greta HUN
60 Arvidsson, Sofia SWE
61 Oudin, Melanie J USA
62 Dulko, Gisela ARG
63 Halep, Simona ROU
64 Rodionova, Anastasia AUS
65 Parra Santonja, Arantxa ESP
66 Suarez Navarro, Carla ESP
67 Cornet, Alize FRA
68 Niculescu, Monica ROU
69 Oprandi, Romina S ITA
70 Tanasugarn, Tamarine THA
71 Kudryavtseva, Alla RUS
72 Amanmuradova, Akgul UZB
72 SR Czink, Melinda HUN
73 Govortsova, Olga BLR
74 Larsson, Johanna J SWE
75 Lepchenko, Varvara USA
75 SR Radwanska, Urszula POL

ABOUT THE SONY ERICSSON OPEN: The 2011 Sony Ericsson Open will be played March 21-April 3 at the Tennis Center at Crandon Park in Miami. The two-week combined event is owned and operated by IMG and is widely regarded as the most glamorous event on the ATP and WTA Tours drawing over 300,000 guests each year including the biggest names in music, entertainment and sports. The Sony Ericsson Open is one of nine ATP World Tour Masters 1000 series events and a Premier Mandatory event on the WTA Tour, and features the top men’s and women’s tennis players in the world including defending champions Andy Roddick and Kim Clijsters. For ticket information, call (305) 442-3367 or visit the website at http://www.SonyEricssonOpen.com.

In the top half of the draw, world number one Wozniacki coasted into the round of 16.   Despite difficult challenges from Gisela Dulko and Dominika Cibulkova, the Dane has yet to drop a set.  Wozniacki will battle Latvian talent 20 year old Anastasija Sevastova  who stunned Yanina Wickmayer in the second round.

On the other hand, Henin, a finalist last year, was dismissed in the third round by Svetlana Kuznetsova.  The 2009 French Open champion who appears to be fitter than ever will face reigning French Open victor Francesca Schiavone in the fourth round.  The latter needed three sets in each of her first two rounds.

There will be no Williams hoisting the prize this year.  Venus was forced to retire one game into her third round match with Andrea Petkovic due to a pelvic muscle injury.  Consequently, Petkovic will clash with Maria Sharapova in the round of 16. Sharapova scraped by Julia Goerges in the previous round.  With Sharapova’s serve a continual sore spot, Petkovic has a golden opportunity to reach her first quarterfinal at a major.

Both Li Na and Victoria Azarenka have been unforgiving thus far with straight sets victories to get to the round of 16.  These two will now collide for a place in the quarterfinals.

In the bottom half of the draw, two big names are absent.  In the second round, Jelena Jankovic, the seventh seed, was ousted by Shuai Peng.  With a fourth round showing, this is Peng’s best performance at a major to date. The Chinese woman battles Agnieszka Radwanska next.  Radwanska overcame a tough first round tussle with Kimiko Date-Krumm.  For Radwanska and Peng, this will be a rematch of their 2010 U.S. Open second round where the latter was the winner.

The second player to make a shocking exit in that section was Samantha Stosur.  The Aussie who appeared unstoppable in her first two rounds was taken out by Petra Kvitova.  Kvitova will subsequently compete against Flavia Pennetta for a slot in the quarterfinals.

Despite being tested, world number two Vera Zvonareva remains in the hunt for her first major.  In the round of 16, Zvonareva will play veteran Iveta Benesova who downed teenager Anastasia Pavlyuchenckova in the prior round.

After serving a bagel to former world number one Dinara Safina, Clijsters sailed through her second round encounter.  In the third round, Clijsters overcame resistance from Alize Cornet, pulling out a two sets win despite 13 winners and 41 errors.  In the round of 16, Clijsters should be back in cruise control as she squares off against Ekaterina Makarova who terminated Ana Ivanovic’s Australian Open hopes in the first round.

In spite of the mentioned third round lull, Clijsters is the favorite.  Wozniacki is a certain contender and has a good chance of seizing the big prize.  Two other candidates to strongly consider as possible trophy holders are Kuznetsova and Azarenka.  The dispute for the quarterfinal spots start tonight.

Imagine needing to conquer Gisela Dulko in the first round, Dominika Cibulkova in the third round and either Justine Henin or Francesca Schiavone just to get to the quarterfinals.  This is the precise task which probably awaits Wozniacki.  Moreover, in the semifinals, the Dane could clash with either Venus, whom she has never beaten, Victoria Azarenka or Maria Sharapova.  In light of the treacherous road ahead, Wozniacki has her work cut out for her in trying to survive the first week and retain the number one ranking.

Since her 2010 Wimbledon injury, this will be Henin’s first major.  After months of noncompetitive play, Henin performed well at the Hopman Cup.  In Melbourne, a possible third round encounter with Svetlana Kuznetsova will be her first true challenge.  Last year, Henin battled her way to the final after an almost two year sabbatical. Consequently, if the Belgian successfully navigates the first week, she could duplicate her feat of a year ago.

If healthy, Venus should reach the round of 16 with ease.  At that stage, the 2003 Australian Open finalist could be tested, if the draw holds true to form, by the 2008 Australian Open champion, Sharapova. The Russian’s last major was in Melbourne.  Subsequent to shoulder surgery a couple of years ago, Sharapova appears finally at full steam.  That type of encounter could be a shot in the arm for Sharapova and push her back into the top ten.

2010 semifinalist Na Li is hoping to become the first Chinese person to advance to the final of a major.  In Sydney recently, Li defeated Clijsters to bank the title which is undoubtedly a confidence builder.  A third round match-up with Aravane Rezai, a round of 16 possible encounter with Victoria Azarenka may present some issues for Li.  The Chinese woman ousted Venus in the quarterfinals last season and could see the American or Sharapova in that round this year.  Having never battled Henin and with a slim edge in her head to head with Wozniacki, in a semifinal bout with either woman, Li could pull off the upset and become a surprising finalist.

In the bottom half of the draw, Vera Zvonareva, the world number two should sail smoothly into the round of 16.  At that point, Zvonareva will need to guard against fellow Russians Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova and Maria Kirilenko.  In the quarterfinals for Zvonareva, Aussie Samantha Stosur and 2010 Wimbledon semifinalist Petra Kvitova could be a challenge; especially the latter, who commenced 2011 with a title in Brisbane.

Considering her unforeseen dismissal by Nadia Petrova last year, Clijsters leaves room for doubt.  Still, Clijsters could get the opportunity to avenge that beat down in the round of 16.  Rather than Petrova, Ana Ivanovic would like to be the one to have a crack at stopping Clijsters in the fourth round.

In many respects, Clijsters seems to be holding all the cards.  With only one loss to Jelena Jankovic in eight meetings and a recent win over Alisa Kleybanova in Sydney, it’s tough to conjure up a case against Clijsters not reaching the semifinals.  Moreover, in the U.S. Open final, Clijsters trashed Zvonareva and against Stosur, the Belgian hold a 5-0 record. As such, in a semifinal versus either woman, Clijsters will have the edge.  As a result, if Clijsters stays focused the entire two weeks, she will win her first non U.S. Open major.

Although the familiar saying states “all good things must come to an end”, when it comes to tennis it’s not necessarily the case.  While the 2010 season is over, in the blink of an eye the new one will commence.  Before turning to a fresh chapter, it’s important to reminisce and ponder what made this past year noteworthy.

At her first tournament after rejoining the tour, Justine Henin was a finalist in Brisbane.  The Belgian followed that result with a run to the final at the Australian Open.  In a compelling match, Serena Williams edged out Henin to defend her title and claimed her twelfth career major.  Despite Williams’ conquest, the road to victory was far from routine.  Thus, early indications were Williams would be fighting tooth and nail to retain the number one ranking.  Yet, in the end, injury became Serena’s speed bump rather than her fellow competitors.

Following Australia, a knee injury caused Williams to put her feet up for a few months.  In May, a healthy Serena returned to competition.  Subsequent to being stunned in the French Open quarterfinals, Williams successfully defended her Wimbledon title.  However, days after her triumph, Serena suffered a freakish foot injury.  Initially, the damage seemed inconsequential.  But, as the weeks went by, Serena withdrew from tournament after tournament and underwent surgery.  Ultimately, Wimbledon proved to be Serena’s last event of 2010.

Ironically, Serena’s similar fate befell Henin.  After being booted in the round of 16 at Roland Garros, Henin turned her focus to Wimbledon the underlying reason for her comeback.  With a title at a warm-up tournament before Wimbledon, Henin was a serious contender to capture the sole major which has eluded her. But, after easily carrying the first set against Kim Clijsters, Henin fell on her elbow and eventually loss in the round of 16.  What at first seemed an innocuous tumble prematurely terminated Henin’s year.

After being upended in the quarterfinals at the Australian Open by Na Li, Venus Williams caught a full head of steam and defended back to back titles in Dubai and Acapulco.  Then, Venus made the finals at the Sony Ericsson Open and the Mutua Madrilena Madrid Open.  Consequently, Venus’ ranking peaked at number two.  Days after celebrating her 30th birthday,  the five time Wimbledon champion stepped on the grass with high hopes for a sixth crown.  However, in the quarterfinals, Venus was sent packing by Tsvetana Pironkova.  Later at the U.S. Open, Williams watched an opportunity to advance to the final evaporate, going down to Clijsters.  Bothered by a knee issue, after New York, Venus sat out the remainder of the season.

No ifs and or buts, Clijsters is back.  After besting Henin in the Brisbane final, Clijsters rebounded from an early exit at the Australian Open by thrashing Venus in the final of the Sony Ericsson Open.  Although a foot injury prevented Clijsters from participating at the French Open, the following month the Belgian reached the semifinals at Wimbledon.  Subsequent to a sensational win in the final in Cincinnati, Clijsters repeated in New York and earned her third U.S. Open title.  Clijsters capped the year with the number three ranking and the WTA Championships trophy in Doha.

In placing one’s bet at the start of 2010, Maria Sharapova, Henin and Clijsters would have been regarded as the candidates likely to supplant Serena at number one.  Instead, Williams was toppled from that spot by a great Dane.  Last year, as a runner-up at the U.S. Open, Caroline Wozniacki demonstrated that she is a legitimate rival.  With Serena sidelined by injury, Wozniacki scaled up the ranking by winning six tour titles and making the finals in Indian Wells and Doha.

Despite being halted in the round of 16 at the Australian Open and Wimbledon, the quarterfinals at the French Open and the semifinals at the U.S. Open, consistency week in and week out was the key to Wozniacki taking over at number one.

Another individual who had a spring in her step in 2010 is Vera Zvonareva. The Russian followed her first major final at Wimbledon with another at the U.S. Open.  Although Zvonareva fell to Serena and Clijsters respectively, because of her phenomenal performance, Zvonareva shot up to the number two ranking.

Other names to come into the spotlight this season include twenty year old Petra Kvitova who stunned Victoria Azarenka and Wozniacki before being knocked out in the Wimbledon semifinals by Serena.  Along with Li, countrywoman Jie Zheng advanced to the semifinals at the Australian Open.  Perhaps the unlikeliest ones to rise above the fray were veterans Francesca Schiavone and Samantha Stosur.

After beating Henin, Serena and Jelena Jankovic at the French Open, 26 year old Stosur booked her maiden major final spot.  With a victory over Wozniacki in the quarterfinals, Schiavone sauntered into the French Open final as a result of Elena Dementieva retiring in the semifinals with a calf injury.  First time major finalist Schiavone took full advantage of her good fortune.  Less than a month prior to her 30th birthday, Schiavone prevailed over Stosur becoming the first Italian woman to win a major.

In doubles, Serena and Venus triumphed in the finals at the Australian and French Opens while Wimbledon and the U.S. Open were claimed by the new pair of Vania King and Yaroslava Shvedova.  The number one doubles team of Cara Black and Liezel Huber had an acrimonious divorce in April.  With the break up of Huber and Black and injuries affecting the Williams’, Flavia Pennetta and Gisela Dulko with six titles and the WTA Championships trophy ended the year as the top doubles team.

For the second consecutive year, Italy dismissed the U.S. to take the Federation Cup. Former French Open champion and world number one Ana Ivanovic redeemed her season by pocketing the Tournament of Champions trophy in Bali and reintegrating herself in the top twenty.  Nothing but bad news for former world number one Dinara Safina.  Limited by a back problem, Safina hardly played and finished the year ranked 63rd.

At the WTA championships, Dementieva dropped a bomb announcing her retirement after her last round robin match.  The 2008 Olympic gold medalist and two time major finalist felt at 29 years of age the time had arrived to seal this phase of her life and move on to another.

It is impossible to dissociate 2010 from 2011 with injury already a factor in the year to come.  With her foot still on the mend, Serena proclaimed she will not defend her Australian Open title.  As such, the first major of the year will be up for grabs.  Will Clijsters seize her first major other than the U.S. Open?  Can Wozniacki silence all doubters and show she really belongs at the top spot?  Will Zvonareva draw on the positives from 2010 and take the final step to the major’s winner circle?  Will it be Sharapova or Henin reliving their past success down under?  In contemplating the outcome of the Australian Open, the permutations seem infinite.  With all these questions, the first major portends that the upcoming season will be a fascinating one to follow.