Zee Media Bureau/Jayanta Oinam

New Delhi: History beckons!

It has become such a cliche in today`s super-fast changing world that every other day, there is a mention of history creating feat. But still, there are lot many records and achievements left to be equaled or be conquered, and lot more avenues to be created for the future generation. In such a backdrop, Serena Williams is looking to win her 18th Grand Slam single`s title at Melbourne Park. If she happens to lift the Daphne Akhurst Memorial Cup - for the sixth time in her career, she will equal the individual records of tennis legends Martina Navratilova and Chris Evert, and will be four behind Steffi Graph`s record 22 Slams.

Talking about records, the younger of the Williams` sister is rightly one of all time greats. The 32-year-old American has won everything that a tennis player dreams of winning. For that matter of fact, she has so far accumulated a grand 32 titles in singles, doubles and mixed doubles in the Slams. Besides the Slams, she also captured both the Olympics Singles Gold Medal and the Year-ending WTA Tour Championships. Yes, the American has also a Slam in her own name, after winning all the four Majors, a feat achieved way back in 2003.

Entering the season opening Grand Slam as the ranked No.1 at the Australian Open, Serena is regarded as one of the most dominating of them all, thanks to her big serves, unplayable ground strokes and ever mischievous net plays. Besides the raw force and the energy that she brings into the court, the reigning French Open, US Open, WTA Tour Championships and Olympic singles champion also commands respect from her opponents for the immense focus and dedication she gives to the sport. These are the traits that helped her win everything in this highly competitive and demanding sport.

Having won 78 of 82 matches in 2013, she will start the tournament as the favourite. The greatest challenge in her path to sixth title in Melbourne will surely come from the likes of Victoria Azarenka and Maria Sharapova. But, her progress into the title round will be decided purely on how well she tackles the early rounds.

In her previous two years at the Australian Open, Serena could only manage to reach 4th round, in 2012 and the quarters, in 2013. She skipped the 2011 edition due to foot injury, after winning back-to-back titles in 2009 and 2010. Considering her recent record in the Grand Slam of Asia-Pacific, she will surely take a cautious approach towards fulfilling her dream.