Born: 25/6/82 Nationality: Russian Seeded: 16 World ranking: 25 Wimbledon best: 4th round (2001-2) Recent record: 2002: 4th round 2001: 4th round 2000: Did not play

He has played in the senior event at Wimbledon only once and was unfortunate enough to go out in the fourth round both times.

In 2001 he came up against eventual runner-up Patrick Rafter in the last 16 before falling at the same hurdle to 2002 champion Lleyton Hewitt 12 months on.

This year his performances have been inconsistent but his semi-final berth at the recent tournament in Halle show he is approaching peak form just in time.

His finest victory, however, dates back to the end of last season when he coaxed Russia to Davis Cup glory with a stunning singles performance.

He was two sets down to France's Paul-Henri Mathieu when he hit back to take an unlikely victory.

A baseliner with a superb two-handed backhand return, a little more weight on the serve could see Youzhny start to close on top-ranked Russian Marat Safin in the coming seasons.