Born: 21/2/79 Nationality: French Seeded: 29 World ranking: 32 Australian Open best: 3rd round (2002/03) Recent record: 2003: 3rd round 2002: 3rd round 2001: 1st round

Dechy enjoyed a consistent season in 2003 after winning the first singles title of her career on Australia's Gold Coast in January.

She reached the third round at the Australian and French Opens and Wimbledon and was part of France's victorious Fed Cup squad.

The 24-year-old, who was born on the island of Guadeloupe, enjoys playing on hardcourts and Melbourne will suit her game.

Dechy has steadily climbed the rankings since making her WTA Tour debut in 1995.

She broke into the world's top 20 for the first time at the end of 2002 and has also been very consistent in Grand Slam tournaments.

The right-hander reached the last 16 at the 1998 US Open and Wimbledon in 1999, her best performances at Grand Slam tournaments to date.