The elite eight of women's tennis have gathered in Madrid to fight it out for supremacy. The field looks beautiful and the players are in the mood to kill. But who are they and what are their chances?

Justine Henin: It was no surprise when last year’s champion claimed the first spot. Her outstanding 2007 campaign has seen a staggering nine titles, two of them being claimed at Roland Garros and the US Open. The brilliant Belgium has also gone through an emotional patch, including a divorce and family mends. But Justine seems to have come out of it stronger and mentally tougher. She has also admitted and conquered her fears of the Williams sisters. There will not be too much stopping her come Madrid; she comes in as the hot favourite.

Jelena Jankovic: The Serbian No.1 has endured a superb season; she has overdone it at times, but still remained consistent on good results. She has harvested four titles this year on the three main surfaces. She also made her second career Grand Slam semi-final in Roland Garros. Coming into Madrid as a group leader, does Jelena Jankovic have what it takes to reach the semi-finals, let alone the final?

'It’s a superb field that brings together most of the top performers in 2007'


Svetlana Kuznetsova: The new leading lady of Russia has claimed new found territory in 2007, including her career high of No. 2. With six final appearances, Svetlana only went the distance once, as she claimed a title in New Haven. But the hard hitting Russian did make three Tier 1 finals as well as her second US Open final. She will come to Madrid with a lot of promise upon her power strung shoulders.

Ana Ivanovic: No-one expected Ana to qualify for Madrid at the start of the year, but the sensational Serbian has played stunning tennis. She has claimed three titles, but most notably her European Grand Slam results have been her highlights. She reached the French Open final and the Wimbledon semi-final. On both occasions she lost to the eventual champion. With a lot of players entering with a lot of promises, it will take a lot out of Ana to go in the later stages, a real test for a real competitor.

Serena Williams: It’s been nothing short of a fantastic year for the American. Despite numerous injuries popping up out of the blue, Serena has claimed her eighth Grand Slam in Australia and made a sturdy comeback while doing it. Other results that have helped Williams qualify are a victory in her home city of Miami and a final appearance in the tennis talent of Russia. Serena has been practicing for a big Madrid showdown, but has she fully recovered from injury? It’s a tricky one but Serena Williams is more then capable of defying the odds.

Anna Chakvetadze: Rounding up four titles this year has been a pleasure to watch, for the young Russian. A glory victory in Russia last year promised to put her on good form for 2007. But her form of late has raised nothing but concern, her latest being a complete thrashing from Pattt Schnyder. Before she can set her sights on a great run in Madrid she will need to find her top form, or else her Madrid campaign is over before she even starts.

Daniela Hantuchova: The Slovakian secured her place recently in Linz; she has endured a great season. With her second Indian Wells title and newly achieved crown in Linz, Daniela has shown more then ambition to play in Madrid. But the Slovakian will need nothing less then her best, as she will surely be put through her paces. What more can she ask for, than the opportunity to shine amongst a field of pure greatness?

Maria Sharapova: She originally lost her spot when Hantuchova prevailed in Linz, but the unfortunate withdrawal of Venus Williams has given back her opportunity. Maria hasn’t had a great year, only scoring one title in San Diego. She continues to perform with an injury to her shoulder, but there is no doubt that the Russian will give it her all.

It’s a superb field that brings together most of the top performers in 2007. But there is one big hole, in the form of  Venus's absence. Grabbing the seventh spot, the Wimbledon winner had to pull out after receiving her latest results from an illness that was observed in her US Open semi-final match against Henin.

The strong title competitor will be truly missed, but she has been strongly advised to start her 2008 season fully recovered and fit. If you pardon the absence of Venus then you’re left with a perfect and deserving field. Originally my money was firmly on Venus, but now I’m backing sister Serena. There will be a lot this year for fans to cheer. I for one can’t wait!

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