The future 5 at the Australian Open

The first Grand Slam of the year is just around the corner and the excitement has already begun among the fans to find the top contenders to win the Australian Open. The Grand Slam offers an exciting time for all the tennis enthusiasts and this time the focus among Men's has been on players other than the 'Big Four' of Andy Murray, Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer.

Last year was dominated by the Federer and Nadal who shared the spoils by winning two Grand Slams each with Federer being the reigning Australian Open Champion.

We are here to have look at the future stars and the ones who will dominate the court in times to come after the 'Big Four' hang their boots. With the championship starting on 15 January, we look at the top contenders to win among the stars of the next generation.

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#5 Andrey Rublev

The Russian youngster had a good run at the first edition of Next Gen ATP Finals

Though ranked number 32 in the world, the 20-year-old has a very impressive record against the top 10 ranked players. He beat Grigor Dimitrov in straight sets in the second round of the 2017 US Open. Rublev reached the quarter-finals, beating David Goffin in the fourth round in straight sets. Rublev lost in straight sets to ATP world #1 and eventual champion Rafael Nadal in quarters. He was also the runner-up of Next Gen ATP Finals losing to South Korea's Hyeon Chung. With a good run in 2017, Rublev will be looking to upset more top seeds and make his mark in the arena.

#4 David Goffin

David Goffin has a baseline-orientated game

Being the oldest amongst the players on this list, Goffin, the World No. 7, has a good chance of improving his record at the Australian Open. He bowed in the quarter-finals last year in Melbourne, losing to Grigor Dimitrov in straight sets. But he had an impressive run at the Grand Slam defeating the likes of Radek Stepanek and Dominic Thiem in the process. He has also defeated Novak Djokovic last year at Monte Carlo before qualifying for the ATP Finals for the first time.

At the ATP finals, he became the first player since Nikolay Davydenko in 2009 to beat the top two-ranked players in the world when he beat Rafael Nadal in the round-robin and Roger Federer in the semi-finals. With a good forehand and a strong double-handed backhand, David Goffin will pose a strong challenge to all his opponents.

#3 Nick Kyrgios

Kyrgios is known for his 'on the face' attitude

The 22-year-old Australian has the ability to beat the best in the world but is usually undermined by his temperament. He has started the year by winning the Brisbane International after a long injury lay-off last season. At the Mexican Open, Kyrgios defeated Novak Djokovic in straight sets in the quarter-finals. In doing so, he had managed to defeat all of the big 3 – Federer, Nadal, and Djokovic – in his very first attempt. He is appreciated for being one of the most talented youngsters on the tour.

Currently ranked No. 17 in the world, Kyrgios will look to better his record of a quarter-final finish in 2015 Australian Open. He is the crowd puller and will look to use the home turf advantage in his favor.

#2 Alexander Zverev

Zverev is the youngest player in the top 30

The young German has been splendid ever since he turned pro in 2013. He is getting better with each tournament he plays. Currently ranked No. 4, he climbed to his career-best No.3 in November 2017. Last year, Zverev defeated Djokovic in straight sets to win his first Masters title. He clinched his second Masters title in the Canadian Open by defeating Roger Federer in the FInal. The 20-year-old is a strong server of the ball with his second serves clocking almost 130 mph.

Going in as a top-4 seed at the Australian Open, he would want to better his previous best finish of fourth round at the Wimbledon last year. The other top players at the championship would be wary of the potential of Zverev. He is maturing into a Grand Slam contender and what better than starting off well at the first Grand Slam of the year.

#1 Grigor Dimitrov

Dimitrov is the most successful Bulgarian male tennis player till date

The 26-year-old ended 2017 by winning the ATP Finals defeating David Goffin in a grueling finish. After a splendid last season, he is the best bet to topple the Big Four out of contention at the Australian Open. Currently ranked a career-high world No. 3, Dimitrov is impressive and dominant in all parts of the court.

He plays a very unconventional form of tennis as he generates force into his shots with his arms instead of his body. He has been nicknamed 'Baby Fed' due to the similarities in style of playing with Roger Federer. He lost in the semi-finals of Brisbane International (where he started as a defending champion) to the eventual winner Nick Kyrgios.

He would want to win his first slam at Melbourne and better his semi-final finish at the Australian Open last year.