Myskina, Russians on Collision Course in Melbourne

Myskina's goal remains the No. 1 ranking in 2005, but she has no lack of competition among the current parity at the top of the WTA Tour. Lindsay Davenport, Amelie Mauresmo, the Williams sisters and Maria Sharapova all intend to compete for the top spot this year. No Russian has ever ranked No. 1 on the WTA Tour Rankings.

"The main goal, of course, would be No. 1. That's why I'm here. That's why I want to win," Myskina said. "I know it's really hard, it's really tough, because there's so many good players who also want to be No. 1 and who also want to win. But I think it's possible that I just have to work hard."

Thus far at the Australian Open the work has been anything but hard for Myskina against non-factors Kveta Peschke and Tzipora Obziler, with a possible first tester against Raymond, then the winner of No. 14 seed Francesca Schiavone and No. 19 Nathalie Dechy in the fourth round.

"My next round, Lisa Raymond, she's a really tough opponent," Myskina said. "She won two matches 6-0, 6-1, so it shows me she's really good player or she's really confident here."

One opponent Myskina has had trouble keeping in check is her temper, with her latest win featuring exasperated gesturing and racquet-slamming as she struggled with her serve.

"We been talking to my coach a lot about this," Myskina said. "You know, I saw myself on TV, and I don't really like it. So I think that's maybe change a lot. The way you look, it's really important, as well."

Likely to be waiting in the quarterfinals is two-time 2004 slam runner-up and countrywoman, No. 6 seed Elena Dementieva. In the semifinals Myskina would likely face an American in either the world No. 1 Davenport or the No. 8-seeded elder Williams sister.

Were Myskina to successfully navigate her half of the draw, potential all-Russian final opponents could be the reigning Wimbledon champ Sharapova, or US Open winner Svetlana Kuznetsova.