OMNISPORT

Dominika Cibulkova is predicting another big year from Serena Williams ahead of the Australian Open.

Cibulkova was an early victim of Williams' in 2015, when the 2014 runner-up lost to the American in the quarter-finals at Melbourne Park.

The world number 38 said she was hoping to avoid an early meeting with the dominant Williams, a 21-time grand slam champion.

"She ruined my dream [last year]," Cibulkova said after her first-round win at the Brisbane International.

"She's special. She's a legend. What I know for sure is that I don't want to play her at the Australian Open in the early rounds."

Williams' near-perfect 2015 ended on a lacklustre note after a shock defeat in the US Open semi-finals, but Cibulkova said that was indicative of the pressure she was under to complete the Grand Slam.

"Since Wimbledon it was like only about [Serena], only about the fourth grand slam. It's tough,” Cibulkova added.

Despite Williams turning 35 this year, Cibulkova believes her raw power will allow her to continue to dominate.

"We're different types of players. If I would be 34 and I get a little bit slower then I'm done," she said.

"That's my something that I really have to be good at to be good. But she is such a good server and can finish the points in one, two, first two shots.

"So that's a much bigger advantage for her. That's why I think she can play longer."