Two rounds done and dusted, Australian Open 2020 has already accelerated into the final 32.
The favourites have safely navigated their way over the opening hurdles, but there are plenty of other names with potential to launch into contention at Melbourne Park.
Here is a dangerous quintet who have so far flown under the radar, and who no-one will want to face over the next fortnight.
Marin Cilic
Considering the career the Croatian has assembled this far, it’s surprising to see the 31-year-old unseeded.
Remember, he’s won the 2014 US Open, guided his country to Davis Cup glory and reached two further Grand Slam finals.
The most recent major final was the 2018 trophy showdown in Melbourne, so in or out of form, Cilic has to be considered.
The world No.39 relinquished just nine games to Corentin Moutet in the first round, before embracing the cacophony of Croatian support to prevail past in-form Auckland finalist Benoit Paire.
Cilic struggled to close out matches in 2019, but that has seemed to pass. A deep run is a strong possibility.
Angelique Kerber
Seeded at No.17, Kerber is projected to fall in the next round.
It’s very easy to forget that the German has lifted three Grand Slams, including the 2016 finale here. The 32-year-old prevailed past Serena Williams that night four years ago, so there is plenty in the locker for Kerber to call upon.
“The first rounds are always not so easy. It doesn't matter if you win in two sets or three sets. You always have to deal with the nerves with the first rounds,” she declared after dismissing home wildcard Priscilla Hon on Thursday.
“Of course, it's a great feeling to have now two matches under my belt with two sets where I played a little bit better today than in the first round. Just improving step by step, trying to play good tennis in every single round.”
Step by step, and Kerber can conjure up a title charge.
Madison Keys
Back in Brisbane at the start of the Australian summer swing, the consistent American scored four wins against high-calibre players to advance to the final.
The 24-year-old eventually fell 7-5 in the deciding set to Karolina Pliskova, but it set the tone for Melbourne.
Daria Kasatkina and Arantxa Rus have been swatted aside in straight sets. With a 2015 semifinal run here, Keys is comfortable in the climate and courts.
With six victories already in 2020, the confidence and feel-good factor must be flowing.
Milos Raonic
The Canadian focus these days centres on US Open champion Bianca Andreescu and the Next Gen prodigies of Felix Auger-Aliassime and Denis Shapovalov.
But 2016 Wimbledon finalist Raonic is back fighting fit and ready to do some damage Down Under.
Four years ago he reached the semifinals here and is in a similar groove thus far. A meagre 15 games have been surrendered in the 29-year-old’s opening two rounds, whilst firing down 28 aces.
Raonic’s game is built for the major stage, and if that cannonball serve can find the spot, then he is most definitely a threat for a second-week run if he can get past Stefanos Tsitsipas on Friday.
Gael Monfils
Who wouldn’t want to see the gregarious Gael Monfils reach the latter stages in Melbourne?
Because of his ridiculous athleticism, pace and ambitious shot-making, the Frenchman is sometimes underrated for his achievements.
The 33-year-old has previously made the final four at Roland Garros (2008) and US Open (2016), alongside a quarterfinal ticket in Melbourne back in 2016. He’s not simply a showman, he has real major pedigree.
A relatively easy passage so far Down Under means Monfils heads into the third round against mercurial qualifier Ernests Gulbis physically fresh, with a great chance to make the second week.
If he can conserve his energy, the world No.10 could conjure up a fascinating series of matches.