Lleyton Hewitt, 33 (ATP Ranking 84)

A lot of people don’t like the ‘Junkyard Dog’ and a lot of people say it’s time for him to give it all away. But if Lleyton Hewitt is still having fun and feeling good, who are we to deny him the chance to travel the world?

Ok, he has no chance of winning the tournament, but don’t tell me there isn’t a little tingle of excitement when you see the man ‘reverse goose’ himself and scream ‘C’MON’ when he wins a break?

See the ‘Reverse Goose’ in full flight and try not be excited. Photo: Getty

Nick Kyrgios, 19 (ATP Ranking 50)

When he isn’t discussing the motivational qualities of Drake’s music with the artist himself or surfacing in photos wearing cult street wear brand Wu-Tang as a chubby kid, Nick Kyrgios is perhaps Australia’s most exciting young sportsman.

His 2015 Australian Open preparation has not been ideal due to knee and back injuries but if he can hold those ailments at bay for a couple of weeks at Melbourne Park the 19-year-old has what it takes to go deep into the second week.

Unfortunately we might have to wait until next year to see Kyrgios in his Rafa Nadal-conquering form.

Bernard Tomic, 22 (ATP Ranking 71)

Bernard Tomic seems to be following the archetypal path of the young Aussie tennis anti-hero, endearing himself – or not – to the public in similar fashion to Hewitt, Mark Philippoussis and Jelena Dokic.

In this respect he has them all covered – fast car fines, angry Dad outbursts, questionable injury withdrawals and those bizarre lap dance nightclub photos have all made sure of that.

But luckily, oh so luckily, Tomic is talented, very talented and his lead-up to the 2015 Open has been relatively quiet on the controversy front, but super impressive on the court.

So don’t be surprised if he goes deep this year, he definitely has the skill and the lead-up form to do it.

Sam Groth, 27 (ATP Ranking 81)

Sam Groth is the current custodian of the well-worn ‘Aussie tennis journeyman’ shoes – see Wayne Arthurs, Peter Luczak and Chris Guccione in recent times.

The New South Welshman reached the Brisbane International quarter-finals by beating Hewitt and Polish veteran Lukasz Kubot, eventually succumbing to giant Canadian Milos Raonic. 

His best grand slam performance was his last one, a second-round appearance at the 2014 US Open, so if the draw falls his way he could better that in Melbourne. But that’s the best one could hope for.

Can Kokkinakis steal some of Krygios’ limelight? Photo: Getty

John Millman, 25 (ATP Ranking 151)

John Millman came back from the brink of retirement and did what every young kid dreams of at the Brisbane International last week.

He astounded his home crowd and Roger Federer – by taking a set off the legend.

On the back of that showing Millman has been given a wildcard into the Australian Open draw where the rejuvenated Queenslander could snatch a win or two if he reproduces the Federer form.

Thanasi Kokkinakis, 19 (WTA Ranking 149)

The impressive youngster is the poor man’s Kyrgios in the sense that they have equal amounts of potential but don’t share the media coverage that comes with a Wimbledon Nadal slaying.

The two are close mates, the same age, doubles partners and of Greek heritage but according to coaches they share a very competitive rivalry.

With Kyrgios struggling through injury, could this be the tournament when his mate Kokkinakis comes and steals some of the limelight?

WOMEN’S DRAW

Samantha Stosur, 30 (WTA Ranking 20)

The Queenslander has been a victim of her own wild success in recent years and as her early-round tournament exits have piled up post that 2011 US Open win, some are questioning her psychological strength.

All the signs of her lead-up form say her poor Australian Open showings will continue in 2015, but maybe if we all send her positive vibes a miracle might happen?

Casey Dellacqua, 29 (WTA Ranking 29)

Perth-born Casey Dellacqua is always a solid chance to win two or three grand slam matches depending on how the draw pans out for her.

Given she goes into the 2015 tournament ranked No.29 in the world she has every opportunity to avoid the big guns in the early stages.

Once known more for her Target attire sponsorship and undeserved criticism of her fitness, Dellacqua is now a seriously seasoned tennis professional who is nipping at the heels of the women’s tour’s stars.

Stosur and Dellacqua have been Australia’s lone women’s leaders for a while now. Photo: Getty

Jarmila Gajdosova, 27 (WTA Ranking 70)

Jarmila Gajdosova has never won a match in nine attempts at the Australian Open – but this could be her year.

She’s shown some very impressive form at the Sydney International by defeating Andrea Petkovic, Dominika Cibulkova and taking a set off two-time Wimbledon champ Petra Kvitova.

Olivia Rogowska, 23 (WTA Ranking 133)

She is the youngest of the top 200 Australian quartet and therefore could be seen as potentially the next great female hope for the nation.

Now experienced enough to work her way into the public’s consciousness when it comes to players with potential, she will be looking to better her record of two appearances in the tournament’s second round.