Born: 29/5/78 Nationality: French Seeded: 9 World ranking: 9 Australian Open best: Semi-final (2001) Recent record: 2003: Quarter-final 2002: 2nd round 2001: Semi-final

After a disrupted claycourt season, he reached the semi-finals at Queen's Club before going on to beat home favourite Tim Henman en-route to the semi-finals at Wimbledon.

Grosjean is one of the most naturally talented players on tour - a natural volleyer with outstanding reflexes and fabulous court coverage which helped him compile a 10-3 record in last year's grasscourt season.

His memories of Melbourne Park are mixed.

He reached his first Grand Slam semi-final there in 2001 but despite winning the first two sets and holding two match points, he succumbed to friend and countryman Arnaud Clement.

Last year he reached the quarter-finals before falling to eventual champion Andre Agassi in straight sets.