The results of this first Grand Slam tennis tournament of the year at the 2009 Australian Open matter in different ways for each of the top eight women.  So what’s at stake for each of the players?

Jelena Jankovic – She needs to win a Grand Slam title to validate her Number One ranking…

Serena Williams – She’s done well “down under” and 2009 is “her year,” i.e. she’s won it every other year since 2003

Dinara Safina – She’s ready, willing and able to win a Grand Slam… but can she do it?

Elena Dementieva – She’s already won 2 titles in 2009 and wants a Grand Slam title to complement her Olympic Gold Medal

Ana Ivanovic – She needs to prove that’s she’s really back in the mix for the Number One ranking in 2009

Venus Williams – She’s definitely playing well enough to win a Grand Slam title that’s not on the grass at Wimbledon

Vera Zvonareva – Can she build on her strong form at the end of 2008 and challenge for a Grand Slam title?

Svetlana Kuznetsova – Needs to play well to re-establish herself at the very top of women’s tennis again…