Four To Watch

Name: Marcelo Rios.

Nationality: Chilean.

Age: 22.

Career prize money: $4,164,467.

Best Wimbledon: 1997, fourth round.

Touted as the premier clay court exponent in world tennis, he is far from one dimensional as his Grand Slam record indicates. The Chilean left hander, who briefly (four weeks) annexed Pete Sampras's number one slot in the world rankings this season, was the only player to reach the fourth round or better in all four Grand Slam events in 1997. This season he was surprisingly beaten by Petr Korda in the Australian Final and then crashed out when strongly fancied at the French Open. Seems to have recovered from an elbow injury. Should he survive the first week could be dangerous.

Name: Andre Agassi.

Nationality: American.

Age: 28.

Career prize money: $13,206,463.

Best Wimbledon: 1992, champion.

Arguably the sport's only showman and certainly its most charismatic personality. In November of 1997 Agassi the former world number one had plummeted 139 places, was overweight and battling a wrist injury that threatened his career. People cited several reasons for the dramatic downward spiral including his marriage to Brooke Shields. Thankfully the Las Vegas star has fought back, so much so that he managed two titles earlier this year. A former champion at the All England club his every move will be cheered to the rafters. Capable of beating anybody, a fit again Agassi should not be discounted.

Name: Anna Kournikova.

Nationality: Russian.

Age: 17.

Career prize money: $890,458.

Best Wimbledon: 1997, semi-finalist.

The tournament organisers will be praying that the glamour girl recovers from a hand injury that threatens her participation. Her stunning appearance tends to overshadow her ability on court at times although she offers constant reminders including victory over world number one Martina Hingis in Rome and again in Germany. It was Hingis who beat the 17 year old Russian in last year's Wimbledon semi-final, ending a magnificent run for Kournikova on her first visit to SW19. Great athlete and a contender for possessing the hardest groundstrokes in women's tennis. Boasts the mental and physical qualities of a Wimbledon champion. Potential winner.

Name: Venus Williams.

Nationality: American.

Age: 18.

Career prize money: $935,450.

Best Wimbledon: 1997, first round.

The 18-year-old elder sibling in the ludicrously talented Williams household. Sister Serena may prove to be even more accomplished but at the moment Venus better fulfills the requirements of a Grand Slam challenger. First person since Pam Shriver to reach the final of the US Open on her debut in the event last year. Her Amazonian physique - six foot two inches - is made all the more striking by the galaxy of multicoloured hair beads that jiggle with every movement. Despite being unproven on grass her unorthodox style and ability to mix up her game augurs well.