Past champions view this tournament as the one to win. It has tradition, charm, elegance, prestige and is generally accepted as the home of tennis.

Yes, it's that time of the year when thousands from across the globe converge on The All England Lawn Tennis Club, or Wimbledon, to sample true British traditions such as Pimms and strawberries and cream, not to mention the best tennis players seeking ultimate glory on the grass courts. Millions more stay up late to watch the action on TV.

Australia's last singles champion at SW19 5AE, Lleyton Hewitt, says he gets goosebumps when he enters this inner sanctum, such is his emotion. To play in the Sunday final -- and win it as he did in 2002 -- is hard to compare to anything else, he says. And with your name featured among the list of illustrious winners is literally the icing on the cake for any tennis player.

As Lleyton fades away and leaves us with many fond memories, the next generation of Aussies have bulldozed their way into the forefront like ground forces about to obliterate an enemy stronghold.

Leading the charge is a fearless, brash, but highly-talented 20-year-old who has quickly built an army of loyal fans. Equally, though, there are many who loath his on-court theatrics.   

Perhaps the only good thing going for Nick Kyrgios during his fiery exchange with chair umpire Mohammed Layhani in his first-round victory against Diego Schwartzman, was his all-white outfit. There was nothing else that came close to grace or sportsmanship.

He first threatened to stop playing after a contentious call cost him a point in the third set; he then demanded a court official clarify the call; and to add further insult to injury, he was heard saying "dirty scum" in the direction of his coaching staff. He did say this was directed at himself. He followed this up with more insults and cutting banter during his second round match. 

It’s a shame this kind of anger vents itself. But we are dealing with an individual who brings a new meaning to the term prima donna, who is also oblivious to anything other than himself. Perhaps he should take the Kevin Rudd-recommended cold shower and accept the game is bigger than him.

This won't happen. Australian tennis must accept it's on a rollercoaster ride and it won't end anytime soon. And lead prima donna ‘Naughty Nick’ is not alone. The Bernard Tomic soap opera makes for real drama and the unpredictability of this volatile family satisfies the newshounds, those who are poky-nosed enough to thrive on this melodrama, but disgusts many of us because of its pure pompous arrogance and self-centredness.

Let’s only hope that the antics of our modern players – which in many ways is comparable to the cantankerous showmanship displayed by the likes of past greats such as Ilie Nastase, John McEnroe and Jimmy Connors – will run its course and they too will become role models, much like Lleyton Hewitt.

For now, enjoy the ride. You just never know what to expect after the next tie-breaker.