Teenage Dreams: Stars Born As Men's Tennis Shines Bright In Melbourne

A series of jaw-dropping upsets of top 10 players at the Australian Open by fearless teenagers has fuelled excitement at the future of men's tennis as the old guard fades into history. With Rafael Nadal and Andy Murray retiring last year and Novak Djokovic in the twilight of his record-breaking career, the torch has already passed to the likes of Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz. But the giant-killing exploits in Melbourne of Joao Fonseca, Learner Tien and Jakub Mensik signalled another generation are already knocking on the door.

Highly-rated Brazilian Fonseca, 18, thrust himself to the world's attention with a first-round upset of ninth seed Andrey Rublev, and 19-year-old Czech Mensik matched him by stunning sixth seed Casper Ruud.

They were outdone by American Tien, 19, who caused a massive shock in beating fifth seed and three-time Australian Open finalist Daniil Medvedev in a five-set epic.

It is the first time two teenagers or more have beaten top-10 players at a major since 2006, when Djokovic and Murray achieved the feat at Wimbledon.

"New blood is coming," declared Mensik, already ranked 48, after his first round Ruud win. "For the fans, for tennis, for everything, it's really great."

Nine-time Grand Slam-winning doubles champion John Fitzgerald called Mensik's game "frightening".

"At times we all get ahead of ourselves but this kid to me looks like he could be a future Grand Slam champion. He's a serious player," the Australian great said on commentary duties at the tournament.

"He's here to stay ... what a game he has, it's a frightening game."

As Mensik went about his business, Fonseca was hogging the global headlines.

Just incredible

The Brazilian is considered one of the hottest talents in years,