DOB:08.06.1983 Nationality:Belgian World Ranking:5 Previous Wimbledon results: 2001 ::quarter-finals 2000 ::second round 1999 ::fourth round 1998 ::did not play

Belgian tennis is currently going through something of a renaissance, with Clijsters leading the way alongside Justine Henin.

After reaching the last eight last year, she will be among the favourites to pick up what would be her first Grand Slam title at Wimbledon.

And her range of powerful shots combined with a mental maturity beyond her 19 years means she is indeed likely to collect a major honour before too long.

The French Open seemed to be a good opportunity but Clijsters suffered a shock third round defeat to unseeded Calrisa Fernandez.

However, the result did not look so bad when the Argentine went all the way to the semi-finals.

Clijsters comes from a sporting background - her father Leo was Belgium's footballer of the year in 1988.

She also has the backing of one of the leading figures in men's tennis - boyfriend Lleyton Hewitt.