An exquisite squash-style shot he conjured up at the 2006 French Open sums up the talent of the man. Might have overcome a mental block against Nadal by beating the Spaniard in Madrid last Sunday -- snapping a five-match losing streak. But memories of his 2008 final mauling may come back to haunt him.

Image: Roger Federer

As well as being a supreme tactician, he trips up many opponents with his excellent court coverage. Despite honing his skills on clay at the Sanchez-Casal academy in Barcelona during his teenage years, red dirt remains his weakest surface and he would do well to reach the second week for the first time.

Image: Andy Murray

Boasts an attractive all-court game with his backhand being his strongest weapon. His fitness, though, has been called into question time and again as he has quit mid-match four times in 17 Grand Slam tournaments.
Image: Novak Djokovic

Can adapt to playing on many different surfaces as he proved by winning back-to-back titles on clay and hardcourt in 2008. His swift coverage around the court helps him to run opponents ragged.
Image: Juan Martin del Potro

His thunderbolt serve is no longer the weapon it once was and on clay it fails to do much damage. With four opening-round losses, two second-round showings and a solitary visit to the third round, Roddick has probably already booked his flight out of Paris.
Image: Andy Roddick

After a consistent start to the season on hard courts, his double-handed backhand has failed to pay dividends on the energy-sapping clay. As the highest ranked home player, he will be under the spotlight as France looks for its first men's champion since Yannick Noah in 1983.
Image: Gilles Simon

Spain's Davis Cup hero has an ominous forehand and has proved to be a supreme athlete after keeping Nadal on court for more than five hours in a battle of wills and stamina in the Australian Open semi-finals. The gifted left-hander has the game to reach the second week for the first time.
Image: Fernando Verdasco