One of the women who will contest this year's Wimbledon semi-finals will be known to every fan when she steps out on Centre Court tomorrow. The world No1, Serena Williams, aside, however, the women's semis have unexpectedly brought together players ranked 21, 62 and 82. Vera Zvonareva takes on Tsvetana Pironkova first up on Centre from 1pm tomorrow, followed by Williams v Petra Kvitova. Here, we weigh up the merits of the final four.
Vera Zvonareva
Nationality: Russian
Age: 25
World ranking: 21
Tournament so far: Upset the US Open champion, Kim Clijsters, to reach semi-finals for the first time
Influences: The daughter of sporting parents. Vera's mother was an Olympic medallist in hockey and her father played a sport called bandy, a form of ice hockey.
Strengths: Good serve and her best shot is a double-handed backhand that is very hard to read.
Weaknesses: Her tendency to be too critical of herself has caused her to self-destruct on many occasions.
It's a fact: Zvonareva has a sports degree and is studying for a second degree in international relations.
Tsvetana Pironkova
Nationality: Bulgarian
Age: 22
World ranking: 82
Tournament so far: Stunned the five-times champion Venus Williams in the last round with a nerveless performance.
Influences: Coached since the age of four by her father, Kiril Enchev, who was a canoe champion in Bulgaria. Mum Radosveta Nikolova was a swimming champion.
Strengths: Variety. You don't see many slice forehands around these days but Pironkova mixes it with a sweet backhand to keep opponents off balance.
Weaknesses: She has never been anywhere near this far in a grand slam event and nerves may be an issue on such a big stage.
It's a fact: Her favourite country, holiday destination and music is ... Bulgarian.
Serena Williams
Nationality: American
Age: 28
World ranking: 1
Tournament so far: Hit the heights in beating Maria Sharapova and has still not dropped a set.
Influences: Father Richard taught Serena and elder sister Venus to play in Compton, Los Angeles, and Serena has never had another coach.
Strengths: Has the best serve in the game, possesses immense power from the baseline and always seems able to produce when she really needs to.
Weaknesses: If she can be pulled into the net against her will, her volleys are really poor, especially on the forehand side.
It's a fact: Serena is a Jehovah's Witness and her favourite band is Green Day
Petra Kvitova
Nationality: Czech
Age: 20
World ranking: 62
Tournament so far: Crushed No3 seed Caroline Wozniacki and saved five match points in beating Kaia Kanepi to reach the semis.
Influences: Idolised fellow left-hander Martina Navratilova as a kid and trained at the same club as compatriot – and fellow semi-finalist – Tomas Berdych.
Strengths: Her lefty serve has caused havoc and unlike many of her rivals, she is more than willing to come forward when the opportunity arises.
Weaknesses: Like Pironkova, Kvitova lacks experience at the business end of a grand slam and it is not yet known how she will handle the pressure.
It's a fact: At 6ft, Kvitova is the tallest woman left in the draw.
