Australian Open 2012 Predictions: Serena Williams Will Return to Glory

Serena Williams will use the Australian Open to return to her former glory.

It will be short-lived, but Williams will still have a great tournament. As a result, she will capture the final Grand Slam in her career.

This is her strongest tournament, people are doubting her and she is still one of the best female athletes in the world.

Historically, Williams has always done well at the Australian Open. She has five titles from this tournament, which is the most out of any of the Grand Slams.

She knows how to win the tournament, and that's an underrated asset. By no means does it guarantee her victory, but her history in Melbourne certainly bodes well for her.

With all the people doubting Williams, she should have a pretty impressive tournament. Great athletes feed off negativity.

When haters start chirping about an athlete having a downfall, he or she usually has one great performance left to prove the doubters wrong. This might not be the tournament for Williams, but why not?

Many people are writing her off. If she gets hot, she could get on a roll that would end with her lifting another Grand Slam trophy.

Finally, Williams is still a spectacular athlete. No, she is not as phenomenal as she was in the past. With that said, she is still (arguably) one of the top pure athletes in the tournament.

With that advantage, it's tough to see when she'll be knocked out. Tennis greatness can stay with a player, and as long as she's got her athleticism, Williams can always re-discover her greatness.

Williams has a history of success, motivation to win and superior athleticism. With all that going for her, Williams has a legitimate shot of returning to glory for one final time.