4 Amelie Mauresmo

Born: 5/7/79 Nationality: French Seeded: 4 World ranking: 4 Australian Open best: Runner-up (1999) Recent record: 2003: n/a 2002: Quarter-final 2001: 4th round

Mauresmo should be a serious contender in Melbourne as she has the game and the experience to challenge for the title.

At number four in the world, the 24-year-old has never been ranked higher.

She finished last year in good form, beating Justine Henin-Hardenne on her way to the Tour Championships final and helping France to Fed Cup victory.

But doubts will continue to follow Mauresmo until she manages to land a Grand Slam title.

The Frenchwoman made her breakthrough when she reached the Australian Open final five years ago.

But she has since managed just two semi-final appearances at Wimbledon and the US Open, a poor return for a player of her talent.

Injuries have played a part - she missed the Australian Open and Wimbledon last year with knee and rib problems respectively.

But mental fragility remains a problem for Mauresmo, who otherwise has the power and athleticism to dominate anyone when she is confident enough to attack the net.