The two met at the same stage of the French Open earlier this month, Henin winning in straight sets for the loss of seven games before going on to take the Roland Garros title for the fourth time in five years.

However, the world number one Belgian has got no closer to the Wimbledon title than two appearances as runner-up, in 2002 when she lost to Serena's sister Venus, and last year when she was beaten by Amelie Mauresmo.

Henin was handed an undemanding one, against an Argentine qualifier Jorgelina Cravero, with a possible fourth round confrontation with the 15th seed Patty Schnyder of Switzerland.

Second-seeded and 2004 champion Maria Sharapova faces Chan Yung-jan of Chinese Taipei in the first round before a possible fourth round clash with Venus Williams.

Defending champion Amelie Mauresmo, seeded No. 4, opens her title defense against American Jamea Jackson and could face French Open runner-up Ana Ivanovic in the quarterfinals.

In theory there could be an all-Williams final, as there was in both 2002 and 2003, since Venus is in the bottom half of the draw as 23rd seed.