Born: 19/7/74 Nationality: American Seeded: 31 World ranking: 33 Wimbledon best: 2nd round (2001-2) Recent record: 2002: 2nd record 2001: Did not play 2000: 2nd round

Twice he has reached the semi-finals in Masters Series event - Indian Wells and Monte Carlo.

Those results, which resulted in him being knocked out by Lleyton Hewitt and Juan Carlos Ferrero respectively, have seen him fly up the world rankings.

Sadly he was unable to match that at the French Open after losing out to eventual runner-up Martin Verkerk at Roland Garros.

Despite that, his previous strong showings are in stark contrast to the 2000 season.

Then the American opened with 21 consecutive defeats before finally halting his dire run of form.

Spadea is a solid baseliner capable of prospering on hard courts and clay, and that has proved invaluable this year.

But to date his grass-court record suggests he will not shine at Wimbledon. He has never got past the second round despite regularly playing at the tournament.