Krejcikova and Sabalenka can take No. 1 from Barty in Australia

Neither Krejcikova nor Sabalenka are close to Barty on the rankings but both could end up being the number one player in the world if things unfold a certain way. All of these scenarios are unlikely but as Raducanu proved at the US Open, you just never know with tennis.

Seeded No.2 in Melbourne, Sabalenka is bidding to follow in Victoria Azarenka's footsteps to become the second Belarusian to reach No.1. The 23-year-old will need to advance to her first major final in order to have a chance. If Barty reaches the quarterfinals, then Sabalenka would need to win the title. If Barty reaches the final, Sabalenka cannot move to No.1.

Reigning French Open champion Krejcikova will also need to reach the final in order to have a chance of overtaking Barty. The 26-year-old has never made it past the second round at Melbourne Park, but she comes into this year's tournament off a stellar run to the final of the Sydney Tennis Classic. If Barty reaches the third round or Sabalenka reaches the final, then Krejcikova would move to No.1 only by winning the title. With a run to the semifinals by Barty, Krejcikova cannot move to No.1.