January is fun in the world of tennis, except for the completely messed up circadian rhythms (sleep patterns) experienced by avid fans who stay up all hours of the night watching the matches.

Some of the best players have been making some strong statements in their first round matches. Kim Clijsters’ dismantling of Dinara Safina, 6-0, 6-0, in less than 40 minutes, was perhaps the strongest. Kim had Dinara resell the entire match with all the winners she was hitting. Dinara raised her hands several times in despair and recognized that she was playing an unstoppable opponent. Hopefully this was just a glitch in Dinara’s comeback bid.

Caroline Wozniacki shutout Vania King 6-1, 6-0. The last time these two met was in Indian Wells last year, and it was a tough three-set battle. This was a necessary statement for other players after her second round loss at the Medibank International to Dominika Cibulkova. She, in essence, said, “Get back, I can win this.” This leads well into Caroline’s quest for her first Grand Slam.

Sam Stosur made his own statement after losing in the second round of the first two tournaments he played this year. He has only lost 7 games in his first two matches at the Australian Open. Heading into the draw (I know I shouldn’t) I’m looking forward to a potential semi-final matchup between Clijsters and Stosur, a rematch from Doha a few months ago where Sam lost to Kim 7-6(3), 6-1. I’m sure that match will be used as motivation for Sam.

A few other players who are quietly moving in the draw and should be watched are Russia’s Nadia Petrova (13th seed), Italy’s Flavia Pennetta (22nd seed), Germany’s Julia Goerges, Romania’s Simona Halep (ranked) and Barbora Zahlavova Strycova. from the Czech Republic. Barbora defeated Aravane Rezai (seeded 17) and wild card entrant Jelena Dokic in two impressive wins. She has a tough task ahead of her as she takes on Na Li in the third round. Julia has taken two tough three sets, and now she’s ready to face Maria Sharapova in the third round of hers. Simona Halep defeated Kleybanova (24th seed) in their second round match in straight sets. Flavia has only lost 7 games in her first two matches, and she looks very strong in her battle with Shahar Peer. Petrova has the better draw until a potential fourth-round clash with Kim Clijsters.

Caroline doesn’t seem like she wants to drop the number one ranking any time soon, however here are some scenarios that could happen…

Clijsters needs to make it to the final to have a CHANCE at being ranked No. 1 after the Australian Open. He has only reached the final once in his last 8 Australian Open appearances. If Wozniacki makes it to 4r or QF, Clijsters would need to win the title to move to No.1

Zvonareva needs to reach the final to have a CHANCE to be ranked No. 1 after the Australian Open. If Wozniacki makes it to 3r, 4r or QF, Zvonareva would need to win the title to move to No.1. If Wozniacki makes it to SF, Zvonareva cannot move to No.1.

If Wozniacki makes it to the SF, he will retain the No. 1 ranking regardless of other results.