Melbourne, May 15: Switzerland's Roger Federer is the top player in the world this year and is capable of winning all four grand slam tournaments during his career, Australia Davis Cup captain John Fitzgerald said today.
The 21-year-old, who has claimed three titles in 2003, will lead the Swiss in their Davis Cup semi-final against Australia in Melbourne later this year.
''(He is) arguably at the moment the form player in the world,'' Fitzgerald told reporters. Federer is ranked third in the ATP champions' race.
''He's a great player and I think he's a player who, when he wins his first major, he'll win three or four, maybe five of them,'' Fitzgerald said.
''Federer - I would say he's the best player that we will have come up against in my three years,'' Australia's non-playing captain added.



''He has a game which can win on every surface, which is unusual. There are not many guys around that you could say could win at any major, any of the four, and he's one of them.''



The Australians, whose team includes Wimbledon champion Lleyton Hewitt and former US Open finalist Mark Philippoussis, are strong favourites to win the September 19-21 tie.



Australia lost the 2001 Davis Cup final to France on a rebound ace surface the last time they played at Melbourne Park.



''That final was like one of my best memories and one of my worst memories all wrapped up in one,'' Fitzgerald said.


Bureau Report