Withdrawals take over, again: With two weeks to go until Flushing Meadows, you would expect a jam-packed field in Toronto. Sadly the tier one has been significantly reduced - again. Take a look:

• Venus Williams - Tendonitis in right knee
• Martina Hingis - Sore hip and back
• Amelie Mauresmo - Motivation Crisis
• Nicole Vaidisova - Mononucleosis
• Sania Mirza - Personal reasons
• Maria Sharapova - Tired, she stated on her website, "I entered the event on the basis that my participation depended on my health and performance during the course of the summer". Credit due to Sharapova, she told the tournament that she didn't want them to advertise her participation in case she withdraws. Sharapova went through the same script last year, but it isn't nice to treat the tournament organisers as a safety net.

Justine doesn't let baggage get to her: The Belgian arrived in Toronto to find that the airline has lost her baggage. Immobilised of practising, she could only wait. Justine Henin finally proclaimed her baggage and took to the courts. Henin took hold of the title in 2003, and got to the final in 2005. Her elegant play, which is flowing with variety and power, has already given her five titles this year and the first golden ticket to Madrid. Henin will have to put on a good show to beat the competition this year. She enters as the No.1 seed and hot favourite to take the title. It's gonna take some performance to knock Henin out of the draw.

Svetvetlana Kuznetsova aims to improve: The world No.4 has yet to venture into the semis. Her admired career has bought her US Open gold in 2004. The Russian hasn't played since Wimbledon, a nice long break should have done her the world of good. Still searching for her first title of the year, Kuznetsova needs match practice that could be vital come the US Open. But an eager fan club are on the lookout to see whether it'll be sloppy offerings from the Russian, or sustained brilliance on her long-awaited North American return. Svetlana checks in as the No.3 seed.

Ana Ivanovic suits up for title defence: This time last year Ana was a top 20 player and just waiting to make her mark on the WTA Tour. She took her opportunity and grabbed the title. She continued to make her magic flow with a win in Berlin and finalist positions in Tokyo and Roland Garros, as well as a semi-final finish at Wimbledon. Progressing well in Los Angeles, Ana is ready to take on her first and biggest title defence in Toronto. She puts huge pressure on her opponents with her breathtaking winners. The world No.5 comes through as the No.4 seed. But how will the Serbian sensation handle the pressure, will she stumble like she did in her first Grand Slam final or will she deliver?

Jelena Jankovic set to stun: She finally took a break after Wimbledon. Jankovic loves to work overtime, but her break has seen her fail in the third round of San Diego. But normal service from the JJ express seems to be in order as she trails well in Los Angeles. She pulled out of her third-round match last year to fellow Serbian and eventual champion Ivanovic. The world No.3 has already qualified for Madrid and has collected four titles this year. She has been one of  the most consistent player this year, with over 50 singles victories. Already with her first Slam in her crown (mixed doubled with Jamie Murray, at Wimbledon), Jelena always gives a smile. Hoping to get rid of her bad memories of losing the US Open, Jelena poses as a big threat . She checks in as the No.2 seed.