Date of Birth: 26.09.81 Became pro: 1997 World ranking: 2

Verdict: Emerging as a serious contender for the world number one spot after a great first half of the season.

Serena comes into Wimbledon brimming with confidence having just won her second Grand Slam singles title at the French Open.

The winner of the 2001 WTA Tour Championships, Williams missed the Australian Open through injury, but bounced back with wins in Scottsdale and Miami where she didn't drop a set. She later added the Italian Open before winning in Paris.

Not a great volleyer, the grass is not her ideal surface, but as sister Venus has shown, her great athleticism and booming groundstrokes can still see her through.

A big title threat on current form.

GRAND SLAM HISTORY
	02	01	00	99	98
Australian Open	-	QF	4R	3R	2R
French Open	W	QF	-	3R	4R
Wimbledon	-	QF	SF	-	3R
US Open	-	RU	QF	W	3R

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).