DOB: 08.06.1976 Nationality: American World Ranking: 13 Australian Open record:  2002 :: n/a 2001 :: first round 2000 :: second round 1999 :: fourth round 1998 :: first round

One of the most popular characters on the tour among her fellow players, Rubin has enjoyed a resurgence over the last six months following a serious knee injury.

On her return in May, she won the title at Eastbourne and then reached the last 16 at Wimbledon.

She followed that with a series of brilliant performances at the prestigious tournament in Los Angeles, beating Serena Williams, Jelena Dokic and Lindsay Davenport.

Rubin is most at home on faster surfaces and her best Grand Slam performance came at the Australian Open in 1996 when she came within two points of reaching the final before losing to eventual champion Monica Seles.