Who will be the last woman standing

There are seven former world No. 1 players gunning for Serena Williams this week as the American chases a fifth Australian Open crown in an unprecedented fortnight for women's tennis.

The return of Belgian superstars Kim Clijsters and Justin Henin bolsters a field that includes Ana Ivanovic, Venus Williams, Dinara Safina, Jelena Jankovic and Maria Sharapova.

Every one of these women - and Serena - has spent time at the top of the tree.

Former US Open winner Svetlana Kuznetsova has grand slam credentials, while fellow Russian Elena Dementieva upset Williams in the final of Friday's Sydney International at Homebush to add their names to the list of genuine contenders.

Ivanovic is on a comeback trail of sorts herself after a dismal 2009, but she is confident she can recapture the form that won her the 2008 French Open.

But they all have to hunt down Williams, who is is chasing history.

She already has Martina Navratilova, Martina Hingis and Chris Evert covered, with those champions each winning three Australian Open titles.

The American is now looking to edge past Steffi Graf, Monica Seles and Evonne Goolagong-Cawley (four titles) on the Open honour board.

"With the two young Belgian ladies back, women's tennis is the most competitive it's been in a long time," Williams said.

Despite the high stakes, Williams, who last year became the first woman to earn $US6 million in a single season - is feeling as relaxed as she ever has heading into a slam.

"I have no pressure on myself. I feel like whether I win or lose, I'm going to give my best," Williams said.

"My goal is to do well, obviously. But I mean, I can't put too much pressure on myself winning or losing. If I play the best I can play, I've always said I'm very difficult to beat."

Contesting just her third tournament after two years out to start a family, Clijsters capped her spectacular comeback with a controversial victory over Williams en route to the US Open title in September.

Now Henin is aiming to add to her grand slam collection in only her second event following a 20-month hiatus after losing a three-set cliffhanger of a final to Clijsters in Brisbane last week.

"I don't think anyone is surprised anymore with what Kim was able to do, and Justine," Williams said.

It's not just the Belgians that Williams must deal with, though.

Second-ranked Safina is happy to fly under the radar, with the Russian rated a 25-1 long shot having only returning to the court in Sydney this week after almost two months out with a back injury.

But just don't dare telling last year's Open runner-up she's in no condition to challenge for the title once again.

"If I was not fit I would not come here," Safina snapped. "It makes no sense if you're not top fit to come."

A month ago, Australian Samantha Stosur considered herself a legitimate title contender after knocking over every player in the top five in 2009.

Now the world No. 13 is struggling for confidence after losing three of her four lead-up matches this summer.

So expect the 32-year local title drought in the women's to continue.