With nine men in the world’s top 100 and 14 in the men’s singles draw at Melbourne Park, Australian tennis would appear to be in rude health as the first grand slam event of the year begins. World No 8 Alex de Minaur is the nation’s big hope for a first men’s Australian Open champion since 1976 and the return of Nick Kyrgios from injury adds a nice touch of spice to proceedings.
In the 49 years since Mark Edmondson won the title, Australian men have gone close on a number of occasions; Pat Cash reached back-to-back finals in 1987 and 1988 while Lleyton Hewitt was runner-up in 2005. Hewitt and Pat Rafter each won two slam titles but getting over the line at Melbourne Park has been a step too far for the men, although Ash Barty won the women’s title in 2022.
