DOB: 09.12.1972 Nationality: French World Ranking: 22 Australian Open record: 2001 :: second round 2000 :: first round 1999 :: fourth round 1998 :: third round 1997 :: n/a

The diminutive Frenchman is the sort of player his peers want to avoid in the draw.

He runs all day and will use up every ounce of energy in the pursuit of victory.

He particularly enjoys playing the big men of the tour and beat Greg Rusedski and Marat Safin at last year's French Open before losing to Alex Corretja in the last 16.

Santoro played his part in France's Davis Cup success and has three tour titles to his name, the most recent victory coming in January 2000.