FACTFILE DOB: 30.08.1982 Nationality: American World ranking: 6 Roland Garros record 2002:: first round 2001:: third round 2000:: n/a 1999:: n/a |
The most likely candidate to take over from Andre Agassi and Pete Sampras as the next great American star, Roddick returns to the scene of his arrival on the world stage.
Two years ago, as an 18 year old, he beat Michael Chang in five titanic sets before being forced to retire midway through a similarly epic encounter with Lleyton Hewitt in the third round.
Those two matches proved two factors that are key to Roddick's game - a huge serve and an even bigger heart.
His career has continued on a steady upward curve in the intervening two years, with two quarter-final appearances at the US Open and a semi-final spot in Australia this year.
Roddick has also already won four titles on clay, the latest an impressive victory in Austria for his first tournament triumph outside his home country.
The only note of caution so far came at last year's US Open where he was demolished by Sampras, who highlighted a lack of variety in Roddick's game from the back of the court that could be particularly telling against the best baseliners.
MMIX
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