Roger Federer (Switzerland)

Roger Federer (Switzerland)

Age: 23
Lives: Bottmingen, Switzerland
Plays: Right-handed
Grand slam titles: Three (Wimbledon 2003, 2004; Australian 2004)
Record at US Open: 2003-fourth round, 2002-fourth round, 2001-fourth round, 2000-third round.

Seemingly in a class of his own this year since capturing the season's opening grand slam in Australia.

The stylish Swiss went on to win Masters Series titles at Indian Wells and Hamburg before beating Andy Roddick to retain his Wimbledon title.

With three grand slam titles at the age of 23, Federer is already being compared with now-retired Pete Sampras although he has still to unleash his magic in the Big Apple where he has never gone beyond the fourth round.

Won 23 consecutive matches this season, one short of Sampras's record, and despite a blip at the Olympics he will start as favourite.