DOB: 16.07.1976 Nationality: Israeli World Ranking: 16 Australian Open record:  2002 :: first round 2001 :: first round 2000 :: first round 1999 :: second round 1998 :: n/a

Since turning professional in 1991, Pistolesi (better known by her unmarried name Smashnova) has made steady progress up the world rankings.

She ended 2002 in her highest ever position thanks mainly to a brilliant start to the season, in which she won two titles and reached the quarter-finals in Indian Wells.

Known in the early part of her career for causing the occasional upset, Pistolesi has attained a level of consistency which saw her win a total of four titles last season.

She also became the first Israeli to reach the WTA's season-ending championships.

A sturdy baseliner with a punishing backhand, Pistolesi is hoping to improve on a dismal record at the Australian Open where she has reached the third round only once.