Date of Birth: 05.07.75 Became pro: 1992 World ranking: 30

Verdict: The Japanese enjoys the hardcourts but is a capable all-round player.

Knows how to volley due to her doubles expertise - she is a former world number one in that speciality and appeared in the women's final in SW19 last year.

However, the former world junior number one cannot be considered a title contender in singles. Reaching week two for only the second time would be considered an achievement.

GRAND SLAM HISTORY
	02	01	00	99	98	97	96	95	94	93
Australian Open	3R	1R	QF	1R	4R	2R	3R	1R	-	-
French Open	2R	1R	4R	2R	2R	2R	1R	4R	-	-
Wimbledon	-	3R	2R	2R	1R	1R	4R	1R	1R	1R
US Open	-	2R	2R	3R	2R	2R	2R	2R	1R	-

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).