Wait for an Australian champion goes on

When Mark Edmondson won the Open in 1976, it seemed certain a new generation of players would continue the home domination.

When Mark Edmondson shocked John Newcombe to win the title in 1976, it seemed certain a new generation of players would continue the home domination of the Australian Open.

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But 28 years on, and despite two Davis Cup victories in the past six years, Australians are still awaiting another home champion in the men's singles of their Grand Slam.

Pat Cash reached the final in 1987 and 1988 but though Pat Rafter and Lleyton Hewitt have been ranked world number one since, success at Melbourne Park has always proved a bridge too far.

With Rafter long retired, Hewitt carries home hopes again this year when the tournament kicks off on Monday but he has never progressed beyond the fourth round.

The days when the event was dominated by the likes of Rod Laver, Roy Emerson, Ken Rosewall and John Newcombe are becoming a distant memory.

Though Chris O'Neil, in 1978, was the last Australian woman to win the title, the fact that both Rafter and Hewitt have won two Grand Slam titles apiece outside of Australia makes it even more surprising that their men have failed at Melbourne Park.