Born: 14/6/79 Nationality: Thai Seeded: 11 World ranking: 11 US Open best: 2nd round (2002) Recent record: 2002: 2nd round 2001: 1st round 2000: 1st round

The likeable Thai is one of the most improved players on the Tour and became the first Asian player to break into the world's top 10 earlier this year.

He has a powerful game and an impressive record on hard courts, all of which should make him a contender at Flushing Meadows this year.

Yet his record at the US Open is surprisingly poor.

He lost in the first round in both 2000 and 2001 before going out in an epic second-round match to Britain's Greg Rusedski in 2002.

Srichaphan, 24, made a name for himself at last year's Wimbledon when he put out US star Andre Agassi in the second round.

His career has been on an upward spiral ever since.

The talented right-hander is a huge celebrity in his homeland and was named Thai of the year in 2002.