Maria Sharapova (Russia)

Maria Sharapova (Russia)

Age: 17
Lives: Bradenton, Florida
Plays: Right-handed
Grand-slam titles: One (Wimbledon 2004)
Record at US Open: 2003-second round

The new queen of women's tennis. Tall, slender and elegant, Sharapova mixes a modelling contract with thundering groundstrokes, a punishing serve and a desire born out of a tough childhood in industrial Siberia.

Moved to the United States with her father as a seven-year-old where she was nurtured by Nick Bollettieri.

Turned professional on her 14th birthday and rose 152 places in the rankings in 2003, winning two titles.

The fairytale story continued this year when she romped through the draw at Wimbledon before beating defending champion Serena Williams in the final.

The Russian will be the talk of the town this year in the Big Apple as she goes for back-to-back grand slam titles.