Over the next two weeks, as the new season begins and the Australian Open nears, our panel of writers and editors will debate the five burning questions on each tour.

PETER BODO, Senior Writer: I give Caroline Wozniacki the best shot to win in Oz. She’s started the new year with a good head of steam, thanks to the momentum with which she finished 2014 and the confidence boost she must have earned from having run the New York City Marathon in an impressive time of 3 hours and 26 minutes. Look for her to tap into that athleticism and continue a resurgence that began last spring, not long after the break-up of her engagement with runaway groom Rory McIlroy.

ED MCGROGAN, Senior Editor: Maria Sharapova. She’s refined her game since shoulder surgery and brings an edge to the court that only Serena can surpass. She is a threat to win on any surface, allowing her to go deep more often. My only question is, can she return to the top spot?

Advertising

WTA Burning Question No. 3: Vika, Ana, Maria, Caro—Which Former No. 1 Will Perform Best in Oz and Beyond?

WTA Burning Question No. 3: Vika, Ana, Maria, Caro—Which Former No. 1 Will Perform Best in Oz and Beyond?

STEVE TIGNOR, Senior Writer: Of these four, Victoria Azarenka presents the most intriguing case. She has always started the year well, but she has never started it after a full season of injuries, which is what she’ll be doing in 2015. But I’ll take Wozniacki. The medium-paced hard courts suit her counter-punching game, and now that she’s back among the top 8 seeds, she should have a manageable draw.

NINA PANTIC, Associate Editor: Wozniacki has shown the most steady improvement and has the fewest health concerns. The Dane’s ex-fiancé did her a favor last year by forcing her to focus more on her career and herself. Maybe she’ll thank him in her championship speech.

Monday, January 5: Is Genie Bouchard ready to win a major?
Wednesday, January 7: What does Serena Williams need to do to win her first Australian Open title since 2010?
Tuesday, January 13: Will the women be more entertaining than the men Down Under?
Wednesday, January 14: Is there a young American who can emerge the way Sloane Stephens did in reaching the 2013 Australian Open semifinals?