 | Born: 07/06/77 Nationality: Belarussian Seeded: 24 World ranking: 24 Australian Open best:
3rd round (2000) Recent record:
2003: 1st round
2002: 1st round
2001: 2nd round |
One of the few top players to combine doubles and singles, Mirnyi is the world's number one in the two-man game. He is also a dangerous floater in Grand Slam singles draws, and no one will relish meeting him in Melbourne.
The Belarussian, nicknamed 'The Beast', won his first career title in February last year and enjoyed a successful hardcourt season in the US, reaching two Masters Series quarter-finals.
At 6ft 5in, it is little wonder he possesses a huge serve, but the 26-year-old from Minsk can back it up with good volleys and impressive athleticism.
However, though he can usually be counted on to provide a few upsets, consistency is a problem for Mirnyi.
After impressing ahead of last year's US Open, he crashed out in the first round of the final Grand Slam of the year to claycourt specialist Nikolay Davydenko.
His record in Melbourne does not bode well for his chances - he has not won a match there for three years.
MMIX
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