Australian Open 2015: Women’s preview
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Rank

1 Serena Williams (USA) Age: 33

Five-time Australian Open champion hoping to extend dominance against ever-growing pack of improving, younger rivals. Suffered shock early exit to Ana Ivanovic in 2014

2 Maria Sharapova (RUS) 27

Australian Open champion in 2008 – last Grand Slam victory before winning a fifth at Roland Garros in 2014. Ended year ranked world No. 2 for third time in her career

3 Simona Halep (ROM) 23

Impressive rise up rankings last year, winning two titles and reaching first Grand Slam final in Paris. Defeated Williams for loss of only two games at WTA Finals in Singapore

6 Eugenie Bouchard (CAN) 20

Set to mount challenge for first major title this season – stellar breakthrough in 2014 saw her reach semis at Australian Open and Roland Garros, and final at Wimbledon
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PLAYER RECORD

Williams

Sharapova

Halep

Bouchard

2014 win-loss

52-8

49-13

46-16

45-22

2014 titles

7

4

2

1

Career titles

64

33

8

1

Grand Slams

18

5

0

0
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Source: WTA

Data correct as of Jan 8

Pictures: Getty Images

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