Alex de Minaur hopes to drag Milos Raonic into a gruelling physical battle as the big home hope looks to avoid an Australian Open ambush in Melbourne.
De Minaur knows full well he has struck one of the most dangerous unseeded rivals in the 128-man draw in the former Wimbledon runner-up and 2016 AO semi-finalist.
Despite being sidelined for almost two years with a catalogue of injuries, Raonic retains a supersonic serve that de Minaur knows can snatch the match away from any opponent on his day.
That's why Australia's 10th seed is intent on dragging the Canadian out of his comfort zone in Monday night's first-round showdown at Rod Laver Arena.
At 196cm tall, Raonic more lumbers and lopes around the court rather than whizzes to balls in the way Australia's speed demon does.
De Minaur hopes to run the 33-year-old ragged, and is backing his supreme fitness and conditioning to come to the fore.
"I do back myself,'' de Minaur said.
"I back myself against the majority of the players. I know the amount of work I put in off the court to be in this shape, feeling confident in that matter.
"But he's got the game style to take the racquet out of my hand, make sure the rallies are nice and short, then we might not get to that point.
"You can't give a cheap game at any stage 'cause that could almost mean the set."
De Minaur's hot run of form, including United Cup victories over 10-time Open champion Novak Djokovic and world No.6 Alexander Zverev, and an exhibition win over second-seeded Wimbledon champion Carlos Alcaraz have thrust the spotlight firmly on the 24-year-old.
With no Ash Barty or Nick Kyrgios, the Aussie glare is even more intense.
De Minaur, though, is taking the added attention in his stride.
"I'm a person that's not easily distracted," he said.
"When it comes to all these things, it doesn't really change too much for me.
"I mean, my goals are plain and simple, and that's to win tennis matches and do my best on the court.
"All the preparations, they all stay the same. My focus stays the same. I still have that drive and motivation to go out there on the tennis court and do my best.
"If anything, it just probably makes me more eager for the tournament to start."
De Minaur is among 11 locals in day-two action, including two all-Australian affairs between Jordan Thompson and Alexsandar Vukic, and wildcard Marc Polmans against Alexei Popyrin.
Qualifier Omas Jasika faces Polish ninth seed Hubert Hurkacz, while Rinky Hijikata, in his first grand slam since making last year's US Open fourth round, takes on German 24th seed Jan-Lennard Struff.
Wildcard James Duckworth meets Frenchman Luca Van Assche.
Three Australian women will also be chasing second-round spots on Monday, including doubles world No.1 Storm Hunter against Italian veteran Sara Errani.
Daria Saville plays Pole Magdalene Frech, with fellow wildcard Taylah Preston up against Ukraine's 19th seed Elena Svitolina.
AUSSIES IN ACTION ON DAY TWO OF THE AUSTRALIAN OPEN ON MONDAY (PREFIX DENOTES SEEDING):
Men's singles, first round
10-Alex de Minaur v Milos Raonic (CAN)
Jordan Thompson v Alexsandar Vukic
Marc Polmans v Alexei Popyrin
Omas Jasika v 9-Hubert Hurkacz (POL)
Rinky Hijikata v 24-Jan-Lennard Struff (GER)
James Duckworth v Luca Van Assche (FRA)
Women's singles, first round
Storm Hunter v Sara Errani (ITA)
Daria Saville v Magdalene Frech (POL)
Taylah Preston v 19-Elena Svitolina (UKR)
