Limping Into Melbourne

The sweltering courts of the Australian Open seem inviting right about now, as the local area is starting to freeze. Some hot weather might be helpful to warming the bones of the best women's tennis players in the world because they are hurting.

World number one Serena Williams has an injured left knee. Second-ranked Simona Halep has achilles tendon issues. Garbine Mururuza, currently ranked third in the world, has plantar fascitis. Maria Sharapova at fourth in the world, has a left forearm injury, and sixth-ranked Petra Kvitova has glandular fever.

No doubt that the great athletic demands of the game today have created tremendous stress on the bodies of athletes and the women's game and it's best players are currently suffering. Hopefully, we will see some quick recoveries. If not, expect a wide open tournament Down Under.