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The Guardian - AU
The Guardian - AU
Sport
Jack Snape in Melbourne

Australia’s once-in-a-generation crop out to break 49-year drought at home grand slam

Three way composite of Nick Kyrgios, Alex de Minaur and Alexei Popyrin
Hopes are high for a first homegrown Australian Open men’s singles champion in 49 years with Nick Kyrgios, Alex de Minaur and Alexei Popyrin playing at Melbourne Park. Composite: Getty images/AAP

Australia’s once-in-a-generation crop of men’s tennis players may be remaining coy about their own chances of breaking a 49-year drought and winning their home grand slam, but they are happy to talk up each others’ prospects for the tournament starting on Sunday.

Fourteen locals are in the Australian Open men’s singles draw and among them are three seeds, the highest number at a grand slam since Lleyton Hewitt, Mark Philippoussis and Pat Rafter contested Wimbledon in 2000.

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