Serena's reign under threat ?

For years Serena Williams has seen off the sternest challenges to her title of the dominant woman in tennis.  Whether she is deemed to be out of shape, unfit, out of form, or past her best, the champion has laughed in the faces of those foolish enough to suggest the end may be nigh.

And so it plays out once more in 2015 with claims of a major concern for the 18 time major winner based on her output in the recent Hopman Cup.  I'd suggest we wait till serious competition begins before we worry about Serena.  And even then let's be real - her Australian Open performances in recent times have fallen well short of expectations with defeats in two fourth rounds and a quarter final in the past three attempts.

Maybe the queen of the court is just a late starter to the season late in her career.  She tends to make up for it !  She also makes a habit of pulling a diamond out of her rough patches of form, rare though those patches may be.  Watch out Melbourne Park in 2015.

Also keep an eye on the seriously in form and already winners in 2015, Simona Halep and Maria Sharapova, the two apparent challengers to the top ranking should Serena decide it requires relinquishing.  A fit Maria is always dangerous while Halep's star continues to rise.  The Romanian was the only player to defeat Williams at the 2014 year end Finals, and although smashed in the decider by a vengeful Williams, overall displayed the type of tennis befitting a future number one.

Ana Ivanovic challenged Sharapova in the Brisbane final a week ago, and has the firepower to retain a top five position and push for greater honours, perhaps adding to her 2008 Roland Garros honours.  It would not surprise to see her reach the final at Melbourne Park - she is in the opposite side of the draw to Serena, and remember she stopped Serena in three sets at last year's Oz Open, so a title is not beyond the Serbian star.

My early prediction is Serena Williams to defeat Ana Ivanovic in a memorable final, with Petra Kvitova and Maria Sharapova the losing semi finalists respectively.  The danger to Serena could come prior to then with potential quarter final opponent and eighth seed Caroline Wozniacki.  Even big sister Venus, who defeated Wozniacki in the Auckland final last week could surprise by sneaking through to a "Sisters" Semi.

My long range forecast for the year end top ten is:

1. Serena Williams

2. Maria Sharapova

3. Simona Halep

4. Ana Ivanovic

5. Caroline Wozniacki

6. Agnieszka Radwanska

7. Petra Kvitova

8. Eugenie Bouchard

9. Venus Williams

10. Garbine Muguruza