Talk of perspective, focus and fight; Nick Kyrgios clearly means business at Melbourne Park this fortnight.
With Alex de Minaur unfortunately sidelined with injury, the world No.26 leads home prospects within the men’s ranks, and continues his campaign against wily Frenchman Gilles Simon on Thursday.
Kyrgios has taken to the court with purpose in 2020, and after thriving in the team aspect of the ATP Cup, he managed an accomplished straight-sets triumph over Lorenzo Sonego in the opening round.
The No.23 seed requested the ground pass-laden Melbourne Arena on Tuesday night to provide the raucous atmosphere he relishes competing in.
“I felt like I was very focused today. Every match I've played this year, I've been pretty good. It's probably because of everything going on,” said Kyrgios, who has been a leader in raising awareness for the Aces for Bushfire Relief campaign.
“I was definitely really nervous walking out there, but the crowd was unbelievable. I'm just playing a lot more than myself. I've said it before, so ... There's not necessarily added pressure. I feel like I'm playing for a lot of people.”
The 24-year-old defeated Simon in a tight 6-4 7-6(5) encounter en route to lifting the Washington title last season, and will have his temperament truly tested once again.
Simon, a quarterfinalist here back in 2009, is a master at deflecting the ball, nullifying power and making it awkward for his opponent.
With the warmth of the crowd, Kyrgios should shine once again, but Simon will have his say in jigsaw rallies.
In other home interest, Alexei Popyrin will target the third round up against Spain’s Next Gen star Jaume Munar.
Wildcard Alex Bolt, who made the third round at Melbourne Park last year, has the daunting task of taking on fifth seed Dominic Thiem.
Another home charge Ajla Tomljanovic was in inspired form to dismiss No.31 seed Anastasija Sevastova 6-1 6-1 at the first hurdle. Can that confidence booster spark a deep run for the 26-year-old?
“I was playing well in Brisbane and Adelaide. Had a couple of tough losses. Just kind of backing up my quality of game was big,” said Tomljanovic, who takes on two-time Grand Slam champion Garbine Muguruza to open action on Rod Laver Arena.
“Just shows that that consistency is there, even though it's just the third tournament of the year. Have a couple more weeks to show that consistency throughout. But it's a good start.”
The green and gold will also be flying for wildcard Priscilla Hon, who will have to produce her best to navigate past 2016 champion Angelique Kerber.
Opening up play on Margaret Court Arena, ticket holders are in for a treat with sixth seed Belinda Bencic vying for the victory against the Grand Slam pedigree of Jelena Ostapenko. The Latvian, Roland Garros champion in 2017, won their only previous duel in a three-setter at Indian Wells two years ago.
For those with ground passes, there are a plethora of matches to get stuck into on Thursday.
Promising Pole Iga Swiatek will head onto Court 14 with Carla Suarez Navarro, for what could be the supremely talented Spaniard’s final Australian Open showing.
World No.22 Karolina Muchova will hope to demonstrate her full repertoire of shots out on 1573 Arena, but faces an intriguing battle against the returning American Cici Bellis.
A match which will guarantee entertainment is 10th seed Gael Monfils’ spectacular shot making in contrast to the booming serve and resistance of record-breaking 40-year-old Ivo Karlovic. An early prediction says that one could go the distance.
The Rod Laver Arena night session will see reigning Wimbledon champion Simona Halep vie for a third round ticket against British youngster Harriet Dart. World No.1 Rafael Nadal will then close out the evening play in a battle with Argentine Federico Delbonis.
Nadal has won all previous three matches with the world No.72, but their trio of tussles were all on clay.