If you know that mother Jean was the British squash champion, that the family owned a squash centre in Johannesburg and that Natalie started playing squash before reaching the age of three; then you would hardly be surprised that she has come through as a player herself.

Four WISPA titles in 2002 from eight appearances signalled a new look for Grainger when she went on to gain on of the sport ultimate rewards when she topped the world rankings for one month in June that year. After a notable upset over world number 1 Carol Owens in the final of the Qatar Classic in December 2003, Natalie had a disappointing sequence of results early in the new year which caused the 27 year old to take time out to rest and recharge her batteries.

The WISPA President returned at the Atlanta Masters and US Open in October 2004 and walked away with both titles. She continued her successful comeback by reaching the final of the British Open but was stopped at the final hurdle by world number one Rachael Grinham.

Her form since then has been mixed as a result of injuries and illness, and although she is always busy away from the court, is also hoping for a prolonged bout of good health so that her revered racketwork and power play can blossom again.