Serena Williams maintains substantial lead at top of women's tennis rankings

Serena Williams maintained her substantial lead at the top of the women's tennis rankings issued by the WTA.

The American has 13260 points with nearest challenger Victoria Azarenka in second place with 8151.

Victory in Melbourne would bring her an 18th grand slam title, the same as greats Chris Evert and Martina Navratilova. The only changes to the rankings took place outside the top 10, Sport24 reports.

WTA top 10 (previous ranking in parenthesis):

1. (1) Serena Williams, United States, 13260 points

2. (2) Victoria Azarenka, Belarus, 8151

3. (3) Maria Scharapowa, Russia, 6076

4. (4) Li Na, China, 5970

5. (5) Agnieszka Radwanska, Poland, 5470

6. (6) Petra Kvitova, Czech Republic, 4835

7. (7) Sara Errani, Italy, 4435

8. (8) Jelena Jankovic, Serbia, 4230

9. (9) Angelique Kerber, Germany, 4070

10.