Date of Birth: 17.06.80 Became pro: 1994 World ranking: 1 (as at 17/06/02)

Verdict: Venus Williams finally gained the world number one position for the first time earlier this year, confirming what many had felt - that she was indeed the best player in the game.

Has undoubtedly been the form player so far in 2002, winning four tournaments in the first four months.

But she has again failed to win the Grand Slams in Melbourne and Paris, something which will disappoint her.

Beaten by sister Serena in the Roland Garros final, this supreme athlete arrives at Wimbledon seeking to complete a hat-trick in SW19.

The reigning champion will start a justified favourite as she is a better vollyer than her sister and is hard to back against her.

GRAND SLAM HISTORY
	02	01	00	99	98	97
Australian Open	QF	SF	-	QF	QF	-
French Open	RU	1R	QF	4R	QF	2R
Wimbledon	-	W	W	QF	QF	1R
US Open	-	W	W	SF	SF	RU

Key: 1R (first round); 2R (second round); 3R (third round); 4R (fourth round); QF (quarter-finals); SF (losing semi-finalists); RU (Runner up); W (winner).