In previous years, a narrow loss during the Australian Open build-up would have been enough to cast seeds of doubt in Daniil Medvedev's mind.
Even a dropped set in practice, the world No.2 readily admits, would have sparked concern and perhaps anger, throwing him off course.
That's no longer the case, following his breakthrough US Open triumph last September.
And that's a good thing now the Russian has been thrust to the forefront of Australian Open favouritism following Novak Djokovic's dramatic departure.
Medvedev's first major title in his third final - which he won to deny Djokovic a fabled calendar-year grand slam - gave the 25-year-old a welcome shot of confidence.
He has arrived at Melbourne Park buoyed by his preparation despite an ATP Cup defeat to France's Ugo Humbert in Sydney this month, which came when the Russian flopped during a third-set tiebreaker.
Medvedev rebounded with three straight singles victories, cruising past Australian men's No.1 Alex de Minaur in the process, and will pursue his second successive major title in a positive frame of mind.
"Sometimes before the tournaments, I could be a little bit concerned if I was not playing well ... I would lose a practice set, I would be concerned, a little bit nervous, sometimes angry," Medvedev said.
"(The US Open title) did change this.
"Now I feel like I know even more what I can do, how I can play, what I have to do to play like this.
"Of course, tennis is about ups and downs ... we never know what's going to happen
"In general, the US Open title gave me a lot of confidence, I want to say, in my life and in my tennis life as well.
"I'm feeling much more confident than last year in terms of knowing my game (and) what I'm capable of."
Medvedev was blown away by nine-time Australian Open champion Djokovic in last year's final at Rod Laver Arena but has returned a different player.
With Djokovic now out of the equation, the most recent major winner on the men's tour is a firm title favourite at Melbourne Park ahead of his opener against Switzerland's Henri Laaksonen, the world No.92, on Tuesday.
But Medvedev, who faces a possible second-round meeting with Australian firebrand Nick Kyrgios, won't take anything for granted as he attempts to lead a new wave of champions in the men's game.
"No matter if you're playing the 'big three' or anybody else, it's really tough," Medvedev said.
"For example, last year in the end of the year, starting from Olympic Games, Sascha (world No.3 Alexander Zverev) became really a big force, won a lot of tournaments.
"It was always like this when somebody big is quitting the sport or is starting to get a little bit less good.
"They're always saying, 'What's next? There is nothing coming.'
"Yet there is always somebody or something to come."
Australian Associated Press
