With the mens draw being dominated by the herculian Swiss maestro, I think the women's side of things is a more interesting proposition. I am only a battler, so have to stay away from the $2 they are offering about Federer. He will win in a canter.

So looking at the fairer sex and it seems to be quite an open affair. The three favourites Henin-Hardenne, Serena and Mauresmo deserve that status and will be terribly tough to beat.

The Russian "eva/ova" clan is the unknown. Can any of them carry on from their successful 2004?

You can forget Davenport, I think a hot Melbourne summer won't suit her, especially after a bit of a lay off. Don't get sucked into the hype about Molik either. So she won a few nothing tourneys late this year? Big deal, there was zero strength to the fields. She will (as usual) bow out in Rd 2 or 3, much to the disappointment of the desparate local media.

Jennifer Capriati at $23 caught my eye. Why is she at such long odds? Her recent surgery? Can anyone shed some light on it for me? She is always there or thereabouts at the pointy end of proceedings, so I don't understand why she is at such juicy odds. If she gets to the quarters, on her day she has the game to beat anyone, so I may have a bit of a nibble at the $23 on offer.

I think I shall also back Mauresmo. Yet to win a slam but has been threatening to break through for some time. '05 could be her year.

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