Venus Williams

Venus starts in better shape than she finished Wimbledon last year, when a serious abdominal injury meant she could offer no resistance.

Age: 24

Lives: Palm Beach Gardens, Florida

Plays: Right-handed, double-handed backhand

Grand slam titles: Four (Wimbledon 2000, 2001; US Open 2000, 2001)

Record at Wimbledon: 2003-runner-up, 2002-runner-up, 2001-winner, 2000-winner, 1999-quarter-final, 1998-quarter-final, 1997-first round

Starts in better shape than she finished Wimbledon last year when a serious abdominal injury meant she could offer no more than token resistance to sister Serena in the final.

Nonetheless question marks remain about her desire and the elegant American readily admits she is fighting mental battles with herself on court these days.

Lost in the French Open quarter-finals. Like Serena has two Wimbledon titles to her name. Height and excellent serve makes her well suited to grass.