Player Profile

The Ukrainian - whose father was also a professional tennis player - had been regarded as a talented prospect since turning professional in 2006, but last year cemented his reputation as one of the game's leading young players.

It was at the Australian Open last January that Dolgopolov served notice of his improvement as he produced his best-ever grand slam showing to reach the quarter-finals.

The 23-year-old saw off Mikhail Kukushkin, Benjamin Becker, former finalist Jo-Wilfried Tsonga and then world number four, at the time, Robin Soderling to storm into the last eight in impressive fashion.

Ultimately he found Andy Murray an obstacle too far as he went down in four sets to the British number one, but during his run in Melbourne Dolgopolov exuded the kind of confidence and shot-making that would soon see him charge up the rankings.

After a third-round showing at the French Open, he then finished the season in good style as he won his first title in Croatia before progressing to the fourth round of the US Open where he bowed out to world number one, and eventual champion, Novak Djokovic.

Dolgopolov - who ended 2011 ranked 15 in the world - will be hoping to build on his rapid progress in 2012 and with his powerful serve and array of spins and slices off either wing, he will present a tricky opponent in Melbourne.

He has already reached the final in Brisbane, so the signs for a decent run are good.

Australian Open 2012 Men's Outright: Alexandr Dolgopolov 100/1

Ten-year Grand Slam History