Four to watch in the women's draw

The old campaigner: Conchita Martinez

Perhaps the most unpopular winner ever, but only because the Spaniard effectively ended Martina Navratilova's singles career in the 1994 final. The clay-court specialist has never been able to reproduce her best again, but has no intention of missing the "most important event in the world". This is her 11th participation, surpassed only by Arantxa Sanchez Vicario. She has reached one quarter-final in the last six years.

The home hopeful: Anne Keothavong

One of the rare successes from the inner-city tennis schemes in England, Keothavong is ever-improving. She has been handed a fair draw for the first round, where she will face the unknown Frenchwoman Virginie Razzano. She is expected to go through on home soil and would be likely to face Japan's Ai Sugiyama. Victory then, though improbable, would set up a high-profile meeting with Monica Seles.

The maverick: Natasha Zvereva

"When I'm listening to Metallica, it gives me an energy," she says. "When I'm listening, sometimes I put my finger on the Walkman and imagine a shock wave going to my soul." Not convinced Zvereva has a different outlook on life? Well, she likes to ride around on her Harley and loves going home to Belarus to work on her farm. She can play too, having reached the Wimbledon semis in 1998, and won all four Grand Slam titles in the doubles.

The outside courtier: Els Callens

Long before the new breed of superstars, Kim Clijsters and Justine Henin, proved that Belgians could play on the grass of Wimbledon, a 5ft 10in powerhouse from Antwerp was having a go. She has never gone beyond the second round, but says that the results of her compatriots have "given her courage". She could be right, as she meets Barbara Schwartz in the first round and might then face Clarisa Fernandez.