Born: 10/9/76 Nationality: Brazilian Seeded: 17 World ranking: 13 Wimbledon best: Quarter-finals (1999) Recent record: 2002: N/A 2001: N/A 2000: 3rd round

The Brazilian pulled out 12 months ago to avoid risking his hip not long after surgery.

But he recently said: "I'm not a grass specialist but perhaps I can play well there."

The former world number one is not the force he once was and is not expected to match, let alone exceed, his previous Wimbledon best of reaching the quarter-finals.

He looks to be returning to better form after an injury-riddled season in 2002 in which he tumbled well down the world rankings.

He has slowly been working his way back up, and this season has reached two finals, winning in Auckland.

On his day he is a thrilling player from the back of the court but, without a strong serve-and-volley game, is likely to struggle to get past the first week.