Born: 16/7/76 Nationality: Israeli Seeded: 21 World ranking: 22 US Open best: 3rd round (1994) Recent record: 2002: 2nd round 2001: 1st round 2000: 1st round

Having turned professional 12 years ago, Pistolesi put in her best ever year on tour last season at the age of 26.

The Israeli, formerly Anna Smashnova, won three of her six career titles in 2002 and celebrated an excellent season by marrying her coach Claudio Pistolesi.

Pistolesi even competed at the end of season championships for the first time in her career, falling in the first round to world number one and defending champion Serena Williams.

And she has continued that progress this season, picking up back-to-back titles in Sopot and Helsinki.

But while she is an impressive performer in lesser tournaments, Pistolesi's Grand Slam record is disappointing - the highlights being two fourth-round appearances at the French Open.

She has only twice made it past the first round at the US Open in seven attempts.