All 15 local men’s singles contenders are eliminated from this Australian Open but their inspiring stories and unique styles give hope for the future
Optimism within Melbourne Park quickly became consternation when Andrey Rublev hit the power button late in his round of 16 victory over Alex De Minaur.
The Australian had entered the tournament as the first local men’s single entrant in the top 10 since Lleyton Hewitt close to two decades ago. With three high-profile victories in the lead-up, 24-year-old was the best chance of lifting the Norman Brookes Challenge Cup in recent memory.