Australian Open 2012: Serena Williams Will Be Lone American Hope For Title

It always seems to fall on a Williams sister to carry the entire American hope for a Grand Slam title. The 2012 Australian Open will be no different. With Venus Williams, still battling with Sjögren's syndrome, Serena Williams is the only serious American contender remaining, male or female.

Christina McHale and Vania King are both unseeded and still alive, but I predict their runs will end on Friday.

On the men's side, the highest-seeded American, Andy Roddick, had to retire from his match against Lleyton Hewitt due to an injury. That leaves John Isner as the only remaining American man. Even if the 16th-seeded Isner defeats Spain's 18th-seeded Feliciano Lopez, he is likely to have Rafael Nadal waiting for him in the fourth round.

The two have met three times, Nadal has won each time. Isner advancing would be highly unlikely. That brings us back to Serena, who regardless of inactivity, always seems to be among the favorites at every Grand Slam (except the French Open of course, which American's rarely win).

Serena's amazing physical gifts are still apparent, especially her tremendous serve. She has already served up 16 aces through two matches, and she appears to be in excellent physical condition.

Her first real test should come in the quarterfinals where she could face fourth-seeded, Maria Sharapova. She has had good success against her, owning a 7-2 record over their careers, and Sharapova hasn't beaten Williams since 2004.

Once Serena has advanced past that hurdle, the real test will be on. From that point, there will only be elite players remaining and Serena will attempt to add a 14th Grand Slam title and a sixth Australian Open.

As usual, she's about all United States tennis has left.

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