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HOMETOWN HOPE: Fifteen-year-old Bernard Tomic is already being touted as Australia's next big tennis hope.

Tomic gave the home fans hope for the future by beating top-seeded junior player Cesar Ramirez of Mexico to reach the Australian boys' singles semifinals.

Retired former No. 1 Pat Rafter, a longtime supporter of Tomic, is looking forward to seeing more of the young player.

"I thought he had a really great backhand, just a world-class backhand, and his forehand was potentially lethal," Rafter said "Hopefully this year I'll get to hit with him a couple of times. It should be good."

Tomic downed the 17-year-old Ramirez 6-4, 6-3 to advance.

Lleyton Hewitt and Casey Dellaqua departed in the fourth round of the main draw, ending the host nation's hopes of seeing its first Australian titleholder - men's or women's - since 1978.

"I was serving 5-4 with advantage and had an opportunity, but he played really well on important points, so I think he deserved to win today," Ramirez said.

"I think he's going to be a good professional."

Tomic won six of the nine junior tournaments he played last year, reaching the semifinals of the remaining three.

He now plays India's Yuki Bhambri for a place in the final and a chance to become the youngest boys junior Grand Slam champion.