Born: 5/7/79 Nationality: French Seeded: 5 World ranking: 6 US Open best: Semi-finals (2002) Recent record: 2002: Semi-final 2001: Quarter-final 2000: N/A

Though Amelie Mauresmo is ranked among the world's elite, injury has consistently hampered her efforts to become a regular challenger at Grand Slams.

In 2003 alone, the Frenchwoman has missed the Australian Open and Wimbledon with problems in her right knee and rib muscle respectively, and pulled out of two other events first with a stomach strain and then another leg injury.

The rib problem has ruled her out of the American hardcourt swing, meaning she arrives in New York without any match play since early July.

But she remains a dangerous player, more than capable of defeating the dominant players on the women's circuit.

At this year's Italian Masters, she defeated world number one Serena Williams in the semi-finals and was twice a set and a break up against Kim Clijsters in the final before losing in three sets.

Mauresmo's mental fragility which marred her performances during the early part of her career is often seen as a possible weakness.