Born: 5/7/79 Nationality: French Seeded: 6 World ranking: 6 Wimbledon best: Semi-finals (2002) Recent record: 2002: Semi-finals 2001: 3rd round 2000: 1st round

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 with a right knee problem, and pulled out of two other events first with a stomach strain and then another leg injury.

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.

But Mauresmo claims that grass is her favourite surface and her big serving and heavy-hitting style, which is suited to Wimbledon, was finally rewarded when she reached the semi-finals last year.