Player Profile

Del Potro shocked the Tour back in 2009 when he beat Roger Federer in the US Open final, becoming one of only two players to have beaten either Federer or Rafael Nadal in a Grand Slam final since their era of dominance began.

However, while the other man to do so, Novak Djokovic, has gone on to claim a further three Grand Slams and claim the world number one spot, Del Potro has had his career ravaged by injury.

A wrist problem ruined 2010 for the 'Tower of Tandil' meaning he spent 2011 rebuilding not just his form but his world ranking, having slipped down to as low as 485th after slumping out of last year's Australian Open in the second round.

However, while last year's trip to Melbourne Park came too early for a man drained of form, fitness and confidence, 2012's visit cannot come quickly enough as he looks to return to the top of not just his own game, but to the top of the sport itself.

Having reached the fourth round at Wimbledon and claimed two '250' event titles last year, Del Potro is back up to 11th in the world, but it was his Davis Cup showings which really made a statement of intent.

The towering Argentine guided his nation to their fourth final in the World Group and, despite failing to stop them from enduring a fourth successive failure at the final hurdle, his efforts earned the respect and sympathy of the tennis world.

A beaten quarter-finalist at Melbourne in 2009, don't be surprised if Del Potro goes deep again Down Under.

Australian Open 2012 Men's Outright: Juan Martin Del Potro 12/1

Ten-year Grand Slam History