It will be 40 years since an Australian won the Australian Open by the time the next Grand Slam in Melbourne comes around. But there are signs on the horizon that there may soon be another home winner.
With 10 months to go until the 2016 Australian Open, there is plenty of time for the excitement to build about the possibility of a home winner. Fans will be eagerly anticipating the prospect of that next tournament. But what do they do to pass the time over the wait of more than half-a-year? Many passionate Australian tennis fans could take to the internet to get their tennis fix. Computer games are one option but they could also play at online casinos. Slot games, such as Tennis Stars, are available. So, it is worth looking at an Australian online casinos site to see where to find your favourite game and fill that time in between both matches and the Grand Slam tournaments.
And as we count down to that next tournament, here are three players who could in the future be the first home winner of the Australian Open since the tournament switched to hardcourt from grass. While you get your tennis fix between now and the 2016 Australian Open, keep an eye on the development of this trio.
THANASI KOKKINAKIS
The 18-year-old is an imposing figure and has a big serve to match. Kokkinakis lost to compatriot Nick Kyrgios in the juniors’ final at the Australian Open in 2013 and he has continued to make progress after rising more than 300 places in the rankings in the past year. He has also made his competitive debut for the Australian team in the Davis Cup and has enjoyed a positive tournament at Indian Wells. He has already made two appearances at the Australian Open and lost to Rafael Nadal in the second round in 2014. This year, he produced a stunning performance to defeat 11th seed Ernests Gulbis in five sets in round one before losing to Sam Groth in the second round.
NICK KYRGIOS
Perhaps the undoubted star of Wimbledon last year when he reached the quarter-finals, Kyrgios looks the best equipped to become the first Australian winner of the Australian Open since Mark Edmondson. He knocked out Richard Gasquet and Nadal at Wimbledon before losing in the quarter-finals to Milos Raonic, who also beat him in the first round at Roland Garros. The 19-year-old, who is the 2013 boys’ champion in Melbourne, is inside the world’s top 40 after reaching the quarter-finals this year. He beat Andreas Seppi in five sets, after recovering from two sets down, before losing in straight sets to Andy Murray. He has been troubled by injuries, though, as a back injury prevented him from playing after Melbourne until Indian Wells. However, he damaged foot ligaments in losing to Grigor Dimitrov. When he is on top of his game, Kyrgios has the tools to trouble the best in the business, he just needs more experience.
BERNARD TOMIC
It has been a chequered career for Tomic and it is still hard to believe at times that he is only 22. He spent 2014 outside the world’s top 50, dropping to 124 at one stage, but is enjoying a renaissance after winning in Colombia last year and he is now inside the top 40. He won the junior title in Australia back in 2008, but has often found himself given a tough draw when it comes to the men’s singles. He has twice lost to Roger Federer and Nadal, but made it through to the last 16 this year to equal his best run at the tournament. He beat Philipp Kohlschreiber and Groth before losing in three sets to Tomas Berdych in round four. Tomic has been consistent since Melbourne and there is no denying he has the talent after beating David Ferrer at Indian Wells. He just needs to start beating more top-10 players to fulfil the promise that saw him reach the Wimbledon quarter-finals in 2011.
