Olivier Rochus
June 2010 | by Monticelli
The
Belgian veteran has only won two ATP Tour titles over his career, and
most famously saw off Russian Marat Safin at 2002 Wimbledon.
Rochus is a battler who last dipped into the world's top 30 in 2005, and has finished runner-up in five ATP Tour events.
On the junior circuit was the practice partner of Roger Federer despite being one of the shortest players around.
Grass courts suit his serve and volley style, and Rochus will certainly be a player that everyone will wish to avoid - especially after his incredible 2009 grass court season that saw him record 14 wins and only three defeats.
The Belgian ace raced to the semi-finals of the 2009 Halle tournament in Germany as a qualifier, winning six matches before Serb Novak Djokovic halted him. So an exit in the opening qualifying round at Wimbledon was a bit of a shock.
Rochus bounced back at the grass event in Newport, USA, to reach the final four and a week later was crowned champion at the Manchester Challenger in the UK.
Reached second round of 2010 French Open.
Realistic chances of winning // Dangerous floater who excelled on grass in 2009 and should be confident of making the quarter-finals.
