Mark Philippoussis
Australia
Age: 20 World ranking: 29
The right-hander from Melbourne is rated by Boris Becker as the most likely big star of the future – “because he has a few assets the other up-and-coming youngsters do not have. I’m talking about his first serve and his pure strength.” Beat Pete Sampras 6-4, 7-6, 7-6 in the Australian Open last year.
Marcelo Rios
Chile
Age: 22 World ranking: 11
Arguably the most gifted of the new crop, and the most enigmatic. Was the No 1 junior in 1993 and last year became the first Chilean to be ranked in the world’s top 10. The left-hander, from a middle-class Santiago family, can take the ball every bit as early as Andre Agassi, and is as difficult to fathom off court as the American.
Thomas Enqvist
Sweden
Age: 22 World ranking: 9
Sweden’s No 1, which is a heavy burden to bear after the exploits of Bjorn Borg, Mats Wilander and the recently retired Stefan Edberg. The 22-year-old has become one of the best while attracting the minimum of attention. Has beaten all the leading players but his longest Grand Slam run was to last year’s Australian quarter-finals.
Tim Henman
Great Britain
Age: 22 World ranking: 24
Described by Stefan Edberg after last year’s US Open as a “mini Sampras”. Boris Becker believes Henman has “the possibilities of becoming a very good player” but did not commit himself further. Last season’s highlight for Britain’s No.1, ranked 99th at the end of 1995, was a Wimbledon quarter- final. Finalist in 1996 Qatar Open.
Tommy Haas
Germany
Age: 18 World ranking: 171
Has spent the past seven years working at the Nick Bollettieri academy in Florida. Qualified for his first Grand Slam in New York last year, losing in four sets to Michael Stich in the first round. He is still raw, but this 1,9m right-hander possesses power and an impressive range of shots off forehand and backhand.
ENDS