DOB: 17.06.1980 Nationality: American World Ranking: 2 Australian Open record:  2002 :: quarter-final 2001 :: semi-final 2000 :: n/a 1999 :: quarter-final 1998 :: quarter-final

Reaching three Grand Slam finals in a year might be seen as an achievement by some, but for Venus it marks something of a disappointment.

Beaten in the finals of Wimbledon and the French and US Opens in 2002 by sister Serena, the 22-year-old will be looking for an encouraging start to the 2003 season in Melbourne.

But Venus rarely shines at the beginning of the year and last year suffered a rare defeat to Monica Seles in the quarter-finals.

But providing she can shake off the nagging injuries that have dogged her in the last few months, it will be a major surprise if Venus does not at least make the final.