With no dominant force emerging during Serena Williams' pregnancy and maternity leave in 2017, who, if anyone, will take up the mantle this season?
That's the question as the Australian Open gets under way this week.
Nigel Sears, who previously coached Ana Ivanovic and now coaches Russian left-hander Ekaterina Makarova, believes there are some incredible players who could make a name for themselves this year.A couple of weeks ahead of the Aussie Open and one bookmaker had Halep as low as sixth favourite to win the title. Those odds have come in, but until she gets a first slam under her belt, doubters will not go away.
Halep thrives on self-belief. If she can rid herself of her demons and stay focused in the present, she can break her duck.
Venus Williams, who doesn't dwell on her age - now 37 and a half years old - could become the oldest player, male or female, to win a major in the Open era if she adds to her seven grand slam titles this season.
Danish former world No1 Caroline Wozniacki, the second seed after her resurgence in 2017 when she reached eight finals, is riding high.
She lost in the Auckland Classic final last weekend to Germany's Julia Goerges, but said she felt great heading to Melbourne as she too looks to a slam breakthrough. Third-seed Garbine Muguruza can be classed as an established force with two grand slams.
Her Wimbledon success put to bed those who wondered whether her French Open triumph in 2016 would be a flash in the pan.
THE POINT TO PROVE
Love her or loathe her, Maria Sharapova, who is returning to the scene of the slam that led to her failed drugs test two years ago, has the experience, resolve and status to make her presence felt on the circuit again.
The 30-year-old would love nothing more than to respond to her critics and haters by winning a sixth grand slam.
Angelique Kerber has an altogether different reason to wag a finger at her critics. She had a season to forget in 2017. Starting as world No 1 she finished No 22, without a title and didn't bother picking up a racket for five weeks when the tour was finished...