YEVGENY KAFELNIKOV No.17 seed

FACTFILE DOB: 18.02.1974 Nationality: Russian World ranking: 18 Roland Garros record 2002:: second round 2001:: quarter-final 2000:: quarter-final 1999:: second round

The fact that Kafelnikov is making his 11th trip to Roland Garros comes as something of a surprise given his repeated threats to retire at the end of last season.

But the Russian changed his mind at the turn of the year and was back on the tour again in January, although seemingly not with any greater enjoyment.

It is worth remembering that despite being at the top of the game for over a decade, Kafelnikov has only just turned 29 and could have several good years ahead of him.

And the knowledge he has picked up in his time on the tour is evident when he gets his game together, as he did in February on his way to the final in Milan.

Relying on court craft rather than power, few players are as adaptable to different surfaces and he has a fine record in Paris.