With Marina Erakovic taking the court today at the Australian Open, New Zealand Herald tennis writer Michael Burgess picks five big Kiwi highlights in Melbourne.
Belinda Cordwell captures imagination (1989)
The 23-year-old Cordwell put tennis in New Zealand in the spotlight with her run to the last four in 1989. The Wellingtonian reached the semi-finals, alongside luminaries such as Steffi Graf, Gabriela Sabatini and Helena Sukova.
Brett Steven takes on Pete Sampras (1993)
In his first appearance in Melbourne Steven trumped world No18 Thomas Muster and Australian No1 Richard Fromberg on his way to the last eight. The 71st ranked Stevens then faced Sampras, emerging with credit from a 3-6 2-6 3-6 defeat.
Onny Parun reaches final (1973)
Sure, the field was smaller (64 compared with 128) but this was a stunning achievement. He won five consecutive matches before losing to seven time major champion John Newcombe 3-6 7-6 5-7 2-6.
Chris Lewis makes history (1977)
The New Zealander was responsible for one of the more extraordinary results in grand slam history in 1977. Lewis beat Roscoe Tanner in the opening round, the first time ever a defending champion had fallen at the first hurdle. Since that time the feat has been repeated on only thee other occasions across all grand slams.
