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.
Medvedev's first major title in his third final - which he won to deny Novak Djokovic the 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.
The most recent major winner on the men's tour will again be among the leading contenders at Melbourne Park when he begins his campaign against Switzerland's Henri Laaksonen, the world No.92.
But Medvedev, who faces a likely 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.
The task at the season's first major isn't quite as daunting as it could have been, with world No.1 Djokovic facing deportation, Roger Federer sidelined through injury and Rafael Nadal on the opposite side of the draw.
"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."
