Australian Open 2012: Why Serena Williams' Hot Start Means Nothing

Serena Williams has dominated the first three rounds of the Australian Open. That doesn't mean she's back.

Look, her wins have been more than impressive. She's been dismantling opponents, but she hasn't won anything yet.

Williams has only lost 11 games in three matches. That's outstanding.

She has overwhelmed her opponents, and she hasn't given them even a glimmer of hope. However, look at whom she's playing.

None of her opponents have been been ranked, and none have even looked interested in playing Williams. Against the lesser opponents, she is clearly still intimidating.

Half of her domination came from her intimidation. From there, she carved up her opponent without much effort.

With such weak competition, Williams' wins have to come with a grain of salt. Sure she's played well, but until she beats someone of note, don't get too excited.

In addition, the top seeds have been just as dominant. Victoria Azarenka and Maria Sharapova have been great. Meanwhile, Petra Kvitova and Caroline Wozniacki have looked good, despite not dominating as much.

So, just because Williams has looked good, that doesn't mean she's going to win the tournament. The other favorites have played just as well, so it isn't as impressive.

Moving forward, Williams will start to face stiffer competition. If she can defeat Ekaterina Makarova, then she will most likely face Sharapova. If she wins that, then a Williams victory will mean something.

Williams could definitely continue this run and end up winning the Grand Slam, but that's a long way away.

As of now, her start means nothing.