Juan Carlos Ferrero (Spain)

Age: 24
Lives: Villena, Spain
Plays: Right-handed (double-handed backhand)
Grand slam titles: 1 (French Open, 2003)
Record at US Open: 2003-Runner-up, 2002-third round, 2001-third round, 2000-fourth round, 1999-first round

The Spanish clay court specialist has endured a miserable 12 months with injuries and illness since reaching the final here last year.

Forced to retire from the Toronto Masters with a back injury, he recovered to play at Cincinnati and at the Olympics but suffered early defeats at both.

Current form suggests he will not be a force here this time, although he has proven quality and will be hoping belatedly to kickstart the season here.