Player Profile - Maria Sharapova

Plays: Right-handed
Grand slam titles: One (Wimbledon 2004)
Record at Wimbledon: 2005-semi-finalist, 2004-winner, 2003-fourth round

The Siberian-born prodigy became the darling of Centre Court two years ago when she beat Serena Williams to win the title on only her second appearance at the All England Club.

Her powerful baseline game, crafted at Nick Bollettieri's Florida academy, is lethal when firing on all cylinders, especially on slick grass courts.

Struggled at the warm-up tournament in Birmingham last week, where her challenge for a hat-trick of titles was ended in the semi-finals.

Despite failing to reach another major final since her success here, her fighting instincts could carry her to a second title in southwest London.