10 players to watch at the Australian Open

The new tennis season kicks off with doubts over big names and opportunities for others as the Australian Open rolls around again.

Andy Murray, Serena Williams and Kei Nishikori have all pulled out of the year’s first grand slam, which begins on January 15.

Here, Press Association Sport picks out 10 names likely to challenge for the titles or spring a few surprises.

Simona Halep

Caroline Wozniacki

Julia Goerges

Ashleigh Barty

Belinda Bencic

Roger Federer

Grigor Dimitrov

David Goffin

Juan Martin del Potro

Andrey Rublev