After a disappointing year at the grand slams in a disrupted 2020, Britain's tennis players will hope for a positive start to 2021 at the Australian Open.

The absence of Kyle Edmund, who continues to struggle with a knee problem, and Andy Murray following his badly timed bout of coronavirus leaves six British singles players in the main draw.

Here, the PA news agency looks at Britain's hopefuls at Melbourne Park.

Johanna Konta

Boulter entered the tournament using her protected ranking after a long injury absence due to a back problem. The 24-year-old has made little progress since returning in November 2019 but two victories to start the Australian swing, the second over Coco Gauff, is a very positive sign.

Francesca Jones

Jones' feat in qualifying for her first grand slam has been rightly lauded. The 20-year-old was born with a condition that affects the development of hands and feet and has only six fingers (plus two thumbs) and seven toes. Not surprisingly her determination is one of her biggest strengths.

Dan Evans

Norrie was the most impressive British player when the tour resumed last summer, reaching the third round of a slam for the first time at the US Open. He began 2021 in encouraging fashion by making the semi-finals of the Delray Beach Open. Looking for his first main-draw victory in Australia.