Born: 23/4/83 Nationality: Slovakian Seeded: 9 World ranking: 9 Wimbledon best: Quarter-finals (2002) Recent record: 2002: Quarter-finals 2001: 2nd round 2000: N/A

Hantuchova's rise to become one of the world's best players has been phenomenal.

Virtually unknown at the beginning of last season, the tall Slovakian stunned Martina Hingis in the final of the prestigious Indian Wells event to win her first title.

She followed that by reaching the last 16 at Wimbledon and US Open, picking up an army of fans along the way.

Although 2003 started well with a third straight Grand Slam quarter-final appearance at the Australian Open, Hantuchova has endured a patchy season so far.

Still looking for her first title this year, she has suffered some surprise defeats recently - most noticeably to unseeded Ashley Harkleroad at Roland Garros, having also lost to her a month before in Charleston.

Coached by Britain's Nigel Sears, Hantuchova's game is suited to all surfaces and the 20-year-old will be hoping for a return to form at Wimbledon.