Serena's numbers not adding up

MELBOURNE, Jan 22 (Reuters) She has more grand slam titles than anyone left in the women's field, yet the figures were not adding up for Serena Williams at the Australian Open today.

A glance down the draw and rather a surprising fact jumps out -- the American is the lowest-ranked player still in contention for the top prize on January 27.

At 81 in the world, she even trails Czech teenager Lucie Safarova, the next lowest in the rankings still standing at Melbourne Park, by 11 spots.

While Safarova had barely been heard of outside tennis circles until her spectacular win over 2006 champion Amelie Mauresmo yesterday, Williams has been used to hitting the headlines for a decade.

However, an injury-wrecked season meant she turned up for only four tournaments in 2006, leaving her ranking to nosedive.

Without a title since winning here two years ago, she is determined to get back into the winner's circle and after her performances over the past week, not many would write off her chances.

''I believe in my game, and more than anything I believe in me,'' the seven-time grand slam winner said.

''I'm not trying to peak too soon. Hopefully I can peak in the finals if I get there.

''I can definitely win a third title, for sure. My mom and my dad always taught me to think positive.'' She has so far lived up to her reputation as a dangerous floater and has already claimed the seeded scalps of Mara Santangelo (27), Nadia Petrova (5) and in-form Serbian Jelena Jankovic (11).

With none of the top eight seeds left in the bottom half of the draw the American is favourite to reach the final.

Next up for her is Israel's Shahar Peer.

Unfortunately for Peer, despite being the 16th seed, she will go into the match as an underdog and could be on the receiving end of a very brutal lesson from Williams.

Reuters PM DB1131