Born: 8/8/81 Nationality: Swiss Seeded: 4 World ranking: 5 Wimbledon best: Quarter-finals (2001) Recent record: 2002: 1st round 2001: Quarter-finals 2000: 1st round

And his pedigree would suggest he will eventually fulfil that expectation.

The Swiss 22-year-old has already triumphed in south London before, winning the junior singles title in 1998.

Undoubtedly his best Wimbledon moment came when he knocked Pete Sampras out of the fourth round with a stunning display.

Last year, however, the other side of Federer's inconsistent game came to the fore when he lost in straight sets in the first round to Croatia's Mario Ancic.

There remains a question mark over Federer's nerve and the pressure is increasing on him to produce at Grand Slam level.

He clearly has a game for all surfaces but can be let down by an occasional lack of passion.

But his form has been great all season - he has three titles to his name already this year.