DOB: 09.09.1974 Nationality: Spanish World Ranking: 8 Australian Open record:  2002 :: fourth round 2001 :: n/a 2000 :: first round 1999 :: first round 1998 :: second round 1997 :: quarter-final

Costa was as surprised as everyone else when he landed his first Grand Slam title at Roland Garros last year.

Having never been even to a semi-final, the Spaniard swept all before him at the French Open, beating compatriot Juan Carlos Ferrero in the final.

It was the ultimate achievement for a man who grew up playing on clay and, after getting married a few weeks later, he was clearly lacking motivation on his return to the game.

Costa won just three matches between August and November, although he did have enough ranking points to reach the Masters Cup where he beat Marat Safin.