DOB: 26.09.1981 Nationality: American World Ranking: 3 Previous French Open results: 2001 :: quarter-final 2000 :: n/a 1999 :: third round 1998 :: fourth round

Awards and records have crumbled under the grasp of Serena and her older sister, Venus, and there are few signs suggesting that it is about to end.

She beat her sister to a first Grand Slam title when she defeated Martina Hingis in the final of the 1999 US Open.

Clay is her least favourite surface but she has given the European swing her full attention this year and her persistence was rewarded with an appearance in the final of the German Open.

The younger of the Williams sisters is yet to reach her full potential as a player, and like her sister is prone to injury.

She is also yet to train a tendency to let her mind wander while on court.