Returning star Ajla Tomljanovic predicts some rivals might underestimate her at the Australian Open - and hopes it could prove to be a vital edge.
Tomljanovic is a three-time grand slam quarter-finalist, but her ranking has slipped to a lowly 292 in the world after missing most of last year with a knee injury.
At 30 years of age, Tomljanovic still has plenty to give, as proven by her promising display against world No.5 Jessica Pegula at the United Cup on Monday night.
Although Tomljanovic lost 7-6 (8-6) 6-3, she held three set points in the opening set and managed to set up 11 break-point chances across the match.
That display has given Tomljanovic a timely confidence boost, but she wonders what her Australian Open opponents will be thinking when they look at her lowly ranking.
"I think people might underestimate me because they know I haven't played in a while ... and my ranking shows that," Tomljanovic said.
"That might be a little edge I have on people, that they're like, 'Oh, she hasn't played so maybe she's not going to be as sharp'."
Tomljanovic is still working her way back to full fitness and form.
Her speed and agility on the court isn't quite where she wants it just yet, and there's some other aspects of her game she plans to "clean up" ahead of the Melbourne Park grand slam starting on Sunday week.
But she's happy with the direction she's tracking, and her belief is growing by the day.
"I feel like I can still play a pretty good level," Tomljanovic said.
"It's still such a process of relearning my body and how I move and my game.
"In a way, it's almost like a new - not new career - but new chapter, because things are different.
"They feel different. I feel like every day, with every match, I'm learning a lot of what works, what doesn't.
"That's kind of cool, but also, it's annoying sometimes because I want it to be a little more automatic and I still feel like things sometimes go differently than I expect.
"Like, some shots, I'm like 'what is that?'"
Tomljanovic will be back in action on Wednesday night for Australia's quarter-final appearance at the United Cup.
After the mixed-tournament wraps up, Tomljanovic will compete at the Adelaide International in her final Open tune-up.
