The women's draw lost two stars this week when Seles then Venus pulled out with injuries. In other years losing two stars would be devastating on the women's field, but these days the list of charismatic and talented players is as long as it has ever been.

The top young players -- led by Martina Hingis, the defending champion and No. 1 in the world rankings -- are not just talented and attractive but also outspoken and confident. Hingis was quoted recently as saying she would support a boycott by the women if equality in pay was not achieved at the Australian Open, French Open and Wimbledon. It was great to see Hingis express her discontent on the issue.

The younger players might not be aware of the history of the Australian Open's prize money and that for 10 years, from the mid-1980s to 1995, there was pay-equity at the tournament, but it was taken away by Tennis Australia. There are many issues on both sides of the argument, but having played in Australia from 1979 through 1996, I'm glad the top players are starting to express their discontent.

The top three seeds on the women's side are the favorites. Here's how I would rank them:

Players to watch
1. Martina Hingis: The winner the last three years in Melbourne, Hingis loves the Rebound Ace courts. She will be disappointed with her semifinal loss to Amelie Mauresmo in the Sydney International on Friday. She also lost the week before the Australian last year and the year before and still won. The growing problem for Hingis is that more and more players can overpower her when on their games. Besides Lindsay Davenport and Serena Williams, Mauresmo has proven that she, too, can overwhelm Hingis with power. Hingis also has the toughest draw of the top seeds, with Mirjana Lucic and Justine Henin her first two opponents.

2. Lindsay Davenport: Saturday, Davenport will be going for her third tournament win in a row at the Sydney International. The 1999 Wimbledon champion easily beat Anna Kournikova in the semis Friday and is serving well, complementing her usual big ground strokes. Davenport's early rounds are much easier than Hingis.

3. Serena Williams: Williams comes to Melbourne without her big sister and without having played a match for several months. She has played only two WTA tournaments since the French Open. However, being in the top half of the bracket is a good draw.

Others
Amelie Mauresmo: Besides the three top seeds, I have to mention last year's finalist, who has played so well in Sydney and seems to love the surface Down Under.

Mary Pierce: A past champion, Pierce is always a threat if she hits stride.

Jennifer Capriati: The most watchable unseeded player is Capriati, as she is once again threatening the top players.

ESPN's Pam Shriver will be working as a tennis commentator at the Australian Open.