Nicolas Kiefer looked to be Germany's
next potential champion when he reached
the Wimbledon quarter-finals on his
first attempt as a 19-year-old in 1997.
But he is nothing if not unpredictable
and since then has only once come close
to matching that feat - losing to Andre
Agassi in the last 16 four years ago.
The 27-year-old is seemingly always
in conflict with someone, whether it
is the German tennis authorities, match
officials or even himself.
He is certainly not afraid of making
himself unpopular, as he proved once
again when he beat home hope Arnaud
Clement in five stormy sets at the French
Open.
This year has been typically up and
down, with victory over Marat Safin
in Dubai, a quarter-final place in Indian
Wells and a run to the last 16 at Roland
Garros.
Kiefer has the variety in his game
and the experience to win on grass,
but much depends on whether he can maintain
his composure.
