Born: 16/7/76 Nationality: Israeli Seeded: 25 World ranking: 25 Wimbledon best: 3rd round (2000) Recent record: 2002: 1st round 2001: 1st round 2000: 3rd 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.

This year though, the Russian-born player has failed to pick up a title, coming closest in Auckland, where she retired in the semi-finals due to leg cramps.

Her Grand Slam record is also disappointing - her third round appearance at this year's Australian Open is her best performance since the US Open in 2000.

At Wimbledon, Pistolesi has failed to make it past the first round in six out of eight attempts, losing to Angelique Widjaja in straight sets at last year's tournament.