DOB: 30.08.1982 Nationality: American World Ranking: 15 Previous US Open results: 2001 :: n/a 2000 :: n/a 1999 :: n/a 1998 :: n/a 1997 :: n/a

Roddick is one of the brightest stars in the game and a player of whom the Americans have high hopes.

As Andre Agassi and Pete Sampras reach the end of their careers, the responsibility of flying the Stars and Stripes rests with Roddick.

The teenager turned professional in 2000 and immediately started winning titles on the satelitte circuit.

He followed those up with three ATP titles in his first year, winning at Atalanta, Houston - back-to-back - and Washington.

On the Grand Slam stage the charismatic 19-year-old wowed the crowds, particularly on home soil where he reached the last eight.

This is Roddick's first Australian Open, and if he can come close to matching the magic he showed at Flushing Meadows, he will quickly become a crowd favourite down under.