Just don't describe the first Grand Slam of the year as "more open" than usual. Stephens agrees the Australian Open field is still extremely tough, even without Williams, the 23-time major winner. Stephens made a stellar run to the U.S. Open title after missing several months with an injured left foot. "I think it's always a tough transition when you go from not playing tennis for 11 months to winning a Grand Slam," she said. Angelique Kerber, the 2016 Australian Open winner, won the Sydney International title on Saturday.

Source: ABC News January 13, 2018 09:00 UTC