Age: 29
Country: United States
Lives: Laguna Beach, California
Plays: Right-handed, double-handed backhand
Seed: 1
Grand slam titles: Three (U.S. Open 1998, Wimbledon 1999, Australian Open 2000)
Record at Wimbledon: 2004-semi-final, 2003-quarter-finals, 2001-semi-finals, 2000-runner-up, 1999-winner, 1998-quarter-finals, 1997-second round, 1996-second round, 1995-fourth round, 1994-quarter-finals, 1993-third round
Lost to Sharapova in the semi-finals last year, fuelling speculation that she was contemplating retirement.
However the heavy-hitter from California bounced back to dominate the U.S. hardcourt season, winning 22 consecutive matches before stumbling in the semi-final to eventual winner Svetlana Kuznetsova. Finished year as world number one.
One of the biggest serves in the women's game, combined with an effortless power off the ground more than make up for her lack of nimbleness around the court.