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NOVAK DJOKOVIC (SRB)

World ranking: 1

Career singles titles: 34

Grand Slam singles titles: 5 (Australian Open 2008, 2011, 2012, Wimbledon 2011, US Open 2011)

Career prize money: $45,686,497

Best Australian Open result: Champion (2008, 2011, 2012)

Djokovic is bidding for a third straight Australian Open triumph after beating Rafael Nadal in last year's five-set final. Lost to Andy Murray in the final of the last Grand Slam, the US Open, in September. Played at the mixed teams Hopman Cup in Perth as his lead-in event to Melbourne.

ROGER FEDERER (SUI)

World ranking: 2

Career singles titles: 76

Grand Slam singles titles: 17 (Australian Open 2004, 2006, 2007, 2010, French Open 2009, Wimbledon 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012, US Open 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008)

Career prize money: $76,014,777

Best Australian Open result: Champion (2004, 2006, 2007, 2010)

Having secured a 17th Grand Slam title at Wimbledon, Federer returned to the world No 1 ranking for 17 weeks with six tour titles in 2012 before losing it to Djokovic in November. Chasing his fifth Australian crown.

ANDY MURRAY (GBR)

World ranking: 3

Career singles titles: 25

Grand Slam singles titles: 1 (US Open 2012)

Career prize money: $24,855,621

Best Australian Open result: Runner-up (2010, 2011)

Became Britain's first Grand Slam champion since 1936 when he beat Djokovic in the 2012 US Open final, after also collecting Olympic gold. Going into Melbourne full of confidence after winning in Brisbane.

DAVID FERRER (ESP)

World ranking: 5

Career singles titles: 19

Grand Slam singles titles: 0

Career prize money: $17,178,869

Best Australian Open result: Semifinal (2011)

Grabs the fourth seeding after the withdrawal of compatriot Rafael Nadal and comes off a career-best season of seven titles and 76 match wins. Super-fit, runs for everything and has a chance if the big names falter. Won the lead-up ATP event in Auckland.

JUAN MARTIN DEL POTRO (ARG)

World ranking: 7

Career singles titles: 13

Grand Slam singles titles: 1 (US Open 2009)

Career prize money: $10,853,349

Best Australian Open result: Quarterfinals (2009, 2012)

Coming off four title wins in 2012 and working his way back up the rankings after wrist surgery in 2010. Beat Federer for his first Grand Slam title at the 2009 US Open. Big, deep forehand and capable of an upset.

China Daily

(China Daily 01/14/2013 page24)