Australian Open 2012: Things Learned from Women's Draw on Jan. 18

The Australian Open has kicked off in rather boring fashion. There have not been a lot of upsets, and all of the favorites are dominating their matches. Sure, that is the way things are supposed to be, but it doesn't make for great drama. The female side of things has been a bit more interesting than the men's side, though. 

It is still very early in the tournament, so trying to draw conclusions about who is going to win are still a bit premature. However, we can take some things away from what we have seen. We now have a read on how strong everyone is physically.

Here are the top stories from the women's side of the Australian Open for January 18. 

Kim Clijsters' Hip Injury Is Not That Bad

After withdrawing from the Brisbane International due to a hip injury, there was some concern that Clijsters would not be healthy enough to do serious damage in the Australian Open. 

Well, three matches in and she looks pretty good. She destroyed Stephanie Foretz-Gacon, 6-0, 6-1, in the second round. 

The defending champion will take on Daniela Hantuchova in the third round, but she shouldn't get too cocky if she wins that match because...

Li Na Keeps Steamrolling Competition

The 2011 French Open champion has been going through the motions in her first two matchups and is having no problems whatsoever. 

She defeated Olivia Rogowska in straight sets in the second round. Her impressive run to the top of the rankings should not go unnoticed. She will have her chance to prove herself over the weekend, when she challenges Anabel Medina Garrigues. 

If Na wins that match, she could meet Clijsters in the fourth round. 

Caroline Wozniacki Is Who We Thought She Was

The WTA rankings have Wozniacki listed as the No. 1 player in the world. She is the top seed in this tournament, yet there is little on her resume to justify that spot. She has never won a Grand Slam event. Her best finish was runner-up at the U.S. Open in 2009.

She had a lot of problems in the second round against Anna Tatishvilli but was able to hang on to make it to the third round. After an easy first set victory, she went down 4-1 in the second set before rallying. 

Apparently she is battling a blister on her left foot, so that is a situation worth monitoring as she moves on in the tournament. 

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