If there is one person who knows about setbacks, it is Rusedski.

The Canadian-born player's chances of Grand Slam glory have been scuppered by everything from injury to just plain bad luck.

It was not so long ago he was vying for the British number one spot, possessed the fastest serve in the game at 149mph, and was destined for major success.

In 1997, he was on the verge of becoming the first British man to win a Grand Slam title for over 70 years when he reached the US Open final before losing heroically to Australian Pat Rafter.

But six years later, despite victory at Nottingham last week when he looked impressive albeit against a weak field, Rusedski's chances of success seem slim.

Now, the only thing he is on the verge of is his 30th birthday in September.

Youthful impetuosity and confidence has given way to caution and self-doubt, fuelled by a whole array of injuries over the years.

The left-hander has suffered from just about every possible affliction during his career, from his neck right down to his feet.

"With all the things I've been through, from foot surgery to knee surgery to the other things, it starts to play on your mind. If it doesn't, I guess you're not human," He said last month.

WIMBLEDON RECORD 1993: First round 1994: Second round 1995: Fourth round 1996: Second round 1997: Quarter finals 1998: First round 1999: Fourth round 2000: First round 2001: Fourth round 2002: Fourth round

His most recent injuries, which have sent his world ranking plummeting to 70, highlight his difficulties.

Sidelined with a foot injury after losing to Pete Sampras in last year's US Open, Rusedski underwent an operation on his left heel in October.

Ready to return to action in March, he then tore cartilage in his knee during practice and was forced to have another operation.

There were more hiccups in early May when his management failed to book him a place in two ATP events, forcing to scramble around for action on the Challenger circuit.

Muscle spasms in back and right arm forced him to withdraw from a tournament in Zagreb.

And, at his first Grand Slam of the year, the French Open, Rusedski even had to contend with a bout of flu as he was beaten in straights sets in the first round by Nikolay Davydenko.

Not exactly the best preparations for Wimbledon, but pundits also cite other reasons behind the player's problems.

Rusedski splits from Cash

Rusedski has switched coaches with an alarming frequency, often ending in less than amicable split-ups as seen with Pat Cash two years ago.

Then there are the psychological barriers such as trying to match Tim Henman's feats - a tall order considering the British number one has played in four Wimbledon semi-finals, compared to Rusedski's one appearance in the last eight.

Yet the 29-year-old still shows signs of his undeniable talent from time to time.

At last year's Wimbledon, Rusedski caused pulses to momentarily race among the home crowd when he demolished America hotshot Andy Roddick with apparent ease.

But the old Rusedski frailties soon surfaced in match of longer rallies and high tension against Belgium's Xavier Malisse, sending the Briton packing in the fourth round.

Certainly, if free from injury and moving well, Rusedski will be a threat at this year's Wimbledon.

But, seriously unprepared and past his peak, even he knows lifting the Wimbledon trophy is likely to remain a dream unfulfilled.

Rusedski's catalogue of injuries

Sept 2002: Pulled out of Davis Cup with left heel injury.

April 2002: Pulled out of Monte Carlo and Hamburg with a neck injury.

Jan 2001: Serve action altered to ease the strain.

June 1998: Ankle injury forced him to withdraw from Wimbledon in the middle of first round match.

(Sept 1997: Lost to Pat Rafter in the final of the US Open)

1997: First British player to qualify for the ATP tour World Championships - he withdrew with a light hamstring injury.