27. Nicole Vaidisova

Born: 23/4/89 Nationality: Czech Seeded: 27 World ranking: 30 Wimbledon best: N/A Recent record: 2004: N/A 2003: N/A 2002: N/A

Judging from the gaggle of coaches and agents eyeing her every move, it is clear Nicole Vaidisova could be another teenage superstar in the making.

From the blonde pony tail to the pained shrugging of the shoulders, her similarity to the current princess of the court, Maria Sharapova, seems uncanny.

The Czech player was just 15 years, 3 months, and 23 days when she won the Vancouver title in 2004 - and a follow-up success in Tashkent confirmed her potential.

This year has seen her reach the last four in Memphis and quarter-finals in Charleston and Auckland, while losing to Venus Williams in the Istanbul Cup final in May did her growing reputation no harm either.

Now the 16-year-old is set to make her debut on the grass courts of Wimbledon - her fourth Grand Slam tournament.

Reaching the third round of the Australian Open in January is her best performance in a Grand Slam event so far.