Canadian dynamo Felix Auger-Aliassime stops short of declaring his emotional Adelaide International title a turning point.
But Auger-Aliassime hopes his victory over American Sebastian Korda in Saturday night's final marks his return to the pointy end in men's tennis.
Auger-Aliassime downed Korda 6-3 3-6 6-1 at Memorial Drive to collect his sixth career title, and first since October 2023.
The victory comes after injury and form struggles resulted in a rankings slide from a career-high No.6 in 2022, when he won four titles, to currently No.29.
"It's an amazing start (to the year), for sure," Auger-Aliassime said.
"The emotions are great that come with winning a tournament.
"Especially for me regarding the recent ups and downs and struggles, this means a lot.
"I'm proud of myself and the team, we have put in some good work in the last few weeks and months and to get rewarded that early in the year is obviously gratifying."
But Auger-Aliassime cautioned against getting carried away with the Adelaide title ahead of the Australian Open in Melbourne starting on Sunday.
"Let's see," he said ahead of his first-round open match on Monday.
"I can enjoy tonight, get some good rest if I can, and then prepare for the AO tomorrow.
"All the expectations and pressure ... I hope that's what's next for me and I hope that's what's ahead of me.
"But seasons are long ... I'm not in control of everything that can happen, but what I'm sure of is I will give my best."
The world No.29 saved four break points in the first set against American Korda, the tournament's second seed.
And despite Auger-Aliassime only landing half of his 34 first serves in the first set, he took opening honours in 30 minutes against the world No.22.
The Canadian failed to cash in two more break points in the fifth game of the second set and soon faltered when his serve was broken as Korda took a 5-3 advantage before closing out the set.
But any momentum Korda had was shortlived. Auger-Aliassime broke serve in the second game in the third set for a 2-0 lead.
He never relinquished control, serving an ace on match point.
