DOB: 27.04.1972 Nationality: Italian World Ranking: 17 Australian Open record:  2002 :: third round 2001 :: third round 2000 :: n/a 1999 :: first round 1998 :: first round

Farina Elia's presence in the top 20 is a mystery to many.

The little-known Italian rarely shines in Grand Slams and has never reached the quarter-finals at any of the four.

However, a solid year in 2001 which saw her win her first tour event in Strasbourg propelled towards the top of the rankings and she consolidated that position in 2002 by defending her title in Germany.

At 30, Farina Elia may be approaching the end of her playing career but her all-court game continues to prove effective.