Tomas Berdych - Profile

Tomas Berdych: Can the Czech break into the top four in 2013?

Firmly established amongst the world's top 10, fans of powerful Czech Berdych will be hoping 2013 is the year which sees make his move in the major events.

The Czech came closest to Grand Slam glory in 2010 when, after stunning Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic at Wimbledon, he fell at the final hurdle to Rafael Nadal in straight sets.

But since then the 27-year-old has failed to keep pace with the game's elite and his head-to-head records with Djokovic (1-11), Federer (4-11) and Nadal (3-12) make for dismal reading.

Berdych enjoyed a career-best season in terms of ATP titles won last year - tasting silverware in Stockholm and Montpellier - although a semi-final run at Flushing Meadows rescued an otherwise disappointing Grand Slam campaign.

After being stopped in the quarter-finals on his previous two visits to Melbourne Park, Berdych returns seeded fifth for his latest assault on the title.

As Nadal's injury struggles continue, Berdych will be among the favourites to replace him in the top four.

A Melbourne title challenge is certainly not beyond the Monte Carlo resident, who desperately needs to address his woeful record against the 'big four'.