XAVIER MALISSE
No.26 seed |
FACTFILE DOB: 19.07.1980 Nationality: Belgian World ranking: 29 Roland Garros record 2002:: fourth round 2001:: third round 2000:: n/a 1999:: first round |
Malisse shows little sign of stamping out the inconsistency that has dogged him since turning pro in 1998, and that has held him back from a real assault on the top 10. The Belgian was once considered such a bright prospect that he was mentioned in the same breath as fellow young guns Lleyton Hewitt, Roger Federer and Marat Safin.
That potential finally turned into results last year when he reached the fourth round at the US and French Opens, and the semi-finals at Wimbledon, in the space of nine months.
But the 22-year-old has admitted in the past that he has not made enough of his talent, and needs to train harder off the court and concentrate more on it.
And 2003 has seen Malisse struggle desperately, failing to make even a quarter-final appearance.
He is a fierce hitter from the back of the court and can play on any surface, but as the most gruelling of the Grand Slams, Roland Garros could be too much of a challenge.
MMIX
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