DOB: 08.08.1981 Nationality: Swiss World Ranking: 13 Australian Open record: 2001 :: third round 2000 :: third round 1999 :: n/a 1998 :: n/a 1997 :: n/a

Tipped to go to the very top, Federer showed his potential by reaching the last eight in the French Open and then repeating the feat at Wimbledon in 2001.

He also reached the fourth round at the US Open last year and will be looking to at least match that at his third Australian Open.

Last year he lost to the eventual runner-up at Melbourne, Arnaud Clement, in the third round.

However, the then 19-year-old bounced back from that disappointment to claim his first ATP tour title in Milan in his very next event.

Through the year, Federer almost single-handedly beat the USA in Davis Cup, reached two more finals and repeatedly figured in the latter stages of numerous competitions.

As happy in the forecourt as he is on the baseline, the young Swiss has been favourably compared to Pete Sampras.