There was a day when Australia ruled the tennis world. Led by legends such as Rod Laver, Ken Rosewall, Roy Emerson, and John Newcombe, the Aussies carved out a strong piece of tennis history. Later, Pat Cash and most recently Lleyton Hewitt won their share of titles. However, as Hewitt’s career winds down, a mixed bag are competing behind him for their shot to emulate the country’s glory days.

While this next wave of Australian men has yet to strike gold on the courts, there is certainly no lack of entertainment value associated with them. The next level of Aussies include one whose on-court tantrums nearly cost him a match at the U. S. Open, to another who once asked officials to remove his father from observing his match.  While one holds the fastest serve on record, another’s ranking skyrocketed in 2014.  There has been no shortage of drama or water cooler material in regards to them.

Although in some cases it may require looking past some lack of judgment, there is clearly talent begging to rise to the surface, particularly with their promising young competitors. A refinement, and in some instances, stronger dedication and a fresh mental approach will go a long way in defining their future.

The most obvious of the up-and-coming young Australians is 19-year-old Nick Kyrgios, who is gifted with all of the tools to become a future Grand Slam champion. Fueled by a rocket serve, fearless attitude, and powerful forehand, the Canberra native never lacks confidence, as was evidenced in his upset of Rafael Nadal at Wimbledon last season. However, with his fiery style comes a personality to match, which nearly cost him a first-round match against Mikhail Youzhny at the US Open after three code violations.

Kyrgios’ rise was derailed in 2014 due to an injury that sidelined him for much of the season. Nonetheless, he logged wins against a number of top-caliber competitors during his climb. Acknowledging that high expectations may play a part in his emotional state on the court, Kyrgios admitted that he hopes to rein in his outbursts in the future. If the mental and physical aspects of his game come into line, he could soar in the coming months.

Meanwhile, Kyrgios’ former doubles partner as a junior made a fast rise in 2014. Eighteen-year-old Thanasi Kokkinakis began the year ranked at world No. 570, only to finish at No. 150. Kokkinakis took advantage of his opportunities in ATP World Tour events when stepping away from Challengers. The Adelaide resident showed promise going toe-to-toe in matches against several established players. Meanwhile, he built momentum by producing success at lower-level events. Now, the teen will set his sights towards breaking into the top 100 as play begins Down Under.

Elsewhere, the most curious Australian continues to be Bernard Tomic who once peaked at world No. 27. At only 22 years of age, Tomic has a history of controversy, from refusing a practice session with Hewitt and encounters with police to numerous issues involving his father. Tomic requested his removal from the stands during a match at the 2012 Miami Masters. Greats such as Emerson have hinted that the Gold Coast native must work harder and stay physically fit to rise to the next level. This came into question when he retired against Rafael Nadal at the 2014 Australian Open, which soured many from his home country.

Yet Tomic is young and certainly has weapons to compete with the best if he is capable of putting his past issues behind him.

Sam Groth will look to make a splash on his home soil in January. At 27, Groth recorded his best season to date in 2014. Wielding one of the biggest serves in the game, the late bloomer’s game escalated as the season advanced. Now, as play returns to his home region, he looks to build off a game centered around his first strike.

With the new season and play gearing up for the first Grand Slam in Melbourne, focus has shifted to the Australians and their success on their home soil. And while the legendary class of Australians that reigned at the beginning of the Open era may never be duplicated again, the current version is a hodgepodge of diverse players, each with a unique approach to the game. Each will look to protect his home turf as the season begins while taking a step forward this season.