The kickoff to the new year on the circuit is bringing several interesting changes with it.

1) I believe that beautiful Mike Self is no longer working with Ms. Monica. I am sad.

2) Ms. Davenport has a new coach. She is working with Rick Leach (her soon-to-be brother-in-law). I was shocked that she left Robert Van't Hof. They worked really well together.

3) The team of Stubbs/Raymond is starting off the year elsewhere. Lisa is playing with Lindsay (they played a tournament together last fall and won), which is a great matchup for her. Renee is playing with her saphic sister Conchita Martinez. Perhaps not an upgrade for her.

4) Martina N is actually playing with Alexandra Stevenson this week. Interesting matchup -- could be a good learning experience for AS.

5) The Williams sisters are skipping Sydney this year. Usually one or the other shows up. With Serena playing in Perth last week, I would have expected Venus to be here.

Hard to believe the Australian Open starts in one week. Yikes!!!

Both LD's and Monica's change of coaches is surprising but perhaps the grind of the tour is simply too much. Mike Sell and Monica really seemed to click; I hope she's made changes that keep her as motivated and hungry since it appears she's gotten to a place where she can see the finish line of her career. I think she'll go at it very hard until then.

LD's another matter. She proved that she belonged in the top five after her long injury layoff but couldn't win a tournament. She's engaged and by all reports seems pretty damn happy. Does she have the motivation to fight it out for the top three still? I have my doubts...I think she'll be top five for another year or so and pretty much say bye-bye! Like Monica though, she'd love another grand slam title.

Lindsay is definately due another slam, and I think it's this year's Aussie. the draw will play an important role, but if it's good, she's one of four or five who could win it.