DOB: 22.04.1975 Nationality: Czech World Ranking: 28 Australian Open record: 2001 :: n/a 2000 :: second round 1999 :: third round 1998 :: n/a 1997 :: second round

The Czech, who has been on the tour for eight years, is one of the rare breed who attempt to combine successful singles and doubles careers.

Novak is ranked at eight for doubles, and is fast moving to catch that up in the world of singles.

He doubled his number of singles career titles last year winning two in the space of three months - Munich in April followed by Gstaad in July.

The second victory was particulalry impressive as he accounted for both Alex Corretja and Juan Carlos Ferrero on their favoured clay surface.