Matt Ebden has arrived in Bendigo full of confidence as he aims to start his 2020 with a bang.
Ebden will open his new season at the Apis Canberra International, which was relocated to Bendigo due to safety concerns.
And the 32-year-old has had no shortage of quality practice, taking advantage of the influx of international stars to Perth for the ATP Cup.
“Even the last probably week or two, playing with all these guys who are here, guys in the top 30, 40,” Ebden told 9 News. “I have been playing sets and I’ve been coming out on top nearly every time.
“None of that (Tour stuff) sort of scares me any more. I know the quality I can bring, week-in, week out, month-in, month out. It’s just a matter of sustaining that again for a full season in 2020.
“Everyone starts the season on January 1 so I’m in the same boat as everyone so I’ll start the season ready to go.”
Ebden has been drawn to play American Mitchell Krueger in the opening round of the tournament on Monday.
Andrew Harris’ first-round opponent is Romanian Marius Copil.
Ebden said his aim was to be extra smart and not overplay through 2020 after ending his season early last year.
He will be working with Peter Luczak and Wayne Arthurs.
“They are familiar guys for me,” Ebden said. “I’m going to do a bit of work with them and they are good friends. They have got a lot to offer.
“It’s about having fun, enjoying it and getting after it.”