SJENG SCHALKEN
No.12 seed |
FACTFILE DOB: 08.09.1976 Nationality: Dutch World ranking: 13 Roland Garros record 2002:: third round 2001:: second round 2000:: first round 1999:: third round |
Schalken was one of the players to emerge from the higher reaches of the top 50 and really make an impact last year.
After eight years as a pro, the tall Dutchman had his best season to end the year 20th in the Champions Race.
A poor opening six months was turned around last summer when he made the last four at Queen's and the last eight at Wimbledon, winning on home soil in between.
Even more impressive was his run to the semi-finals of the US Open, where only a rejuvenated Sampras could stop him, and another final followed in Moscow.
Schalken may not be the most elegant of players - few look as awkward from the back of the court, due to his stiff-backed technique - but he is strong off both sides and has a huge serve.
He has proved he has what it takes to progress in Grand Slams, but it seems unlikely success will come at Roland Garros as his record on clay is poor.
MMIX
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