5. Marat Safin

Born: 27/1/80 Nationality: Russian Seeded: 5 World ranking: 5 Wimbledon best: Quarter-finals (2001) Recent record: 2004: 1st round 2002: N/A 2001: 2nd round

"I give up on Wimbledon," was the parting shot from Marat Safin after a first-round loss last year.

Hopefully, the Russian will not carry out that threat as he brings an element of temperamental unpredictability that harks back to the days of McEnroe and Connors.

However, his performances on grass have to date fallen some way short of those great names and it is questionable whether he has the desire to change that.

What is not in question is Safin's ability and the fact that he could surely be a threat at all four Grand Slams if he wished.

Indeed, he reached the last eight of Wimbledon as a 20-year-old before losing to the inspired Goran Ivanisevic.

Safin re-established himself as one of the very best with victory at the Australian Open this year, beating Roger Federer on the way.

But his form then collapsed during the clay-court season and it is anyone's guess how he will be feeling at SW19. He probably doesn't know himself.