10 Mark Philippoussis

Born: 07/11/76 Nationality: Australian Seeded: 10 World ranking: 10 Australian Open best: 4th round (2000, 1999, 1996) Recent record: 2003: 3rd round 2001: 2nd round 2000: 4th round

Philippoussis approaches his home Grand Slam full of confidence following his return to form and fitness in 2003.

Last year's Wimbledon saw the Australian complete a remarkable comeback after more than two years of injury problems that almost ended his career.

With his huge serve working again, Philippoussis made it to the final at Wimbledon before running into a man inspired in Roger Federer.

He went on to collect his 10th career title in Shanghai and was unlucky to miss out on the end-of-season Masters Cup.

However, his form did see him overtake Lleyton Hewitt as Australian number one and it was his brave five-set win over Juan Carlos Ferrero that sealed the Aussies' Davis Cup win against Spain in November.

The main question mark over Philippoussis remains his health - and he was forced to battle against a muscle tear in his chest against Ferrero.

Now a national hero, the big-serving 27-year-old could pick no better venue than Melbourne Park to capture his first Grand Slam title.