Even an eight-goal haul couldn’t keep big-serving Victorian Sam Groth away from his one true love – tennis.

Groth is on the verge of making his Davis Cup debut after a breakout year that has seen him rocket into the world’s top 100.

But it hasn’t always been smooth sailing for Groth, who gave the game away in 2011 in order to play Aussie Rules football for Vermont in Victoria’s Eastern Football League.

Groth played 13 games that season, with the 193cm forward kicking a bag of eight goals in the final home-and-away game of the year.

The 26-year-old enjoyed every minute of his time at the club but there was something nagging away at him that he simply couldn’t ignore.

“When I was playing football, I didn’t have any plans to play tennis,” Groth said.

“But I played some club tennis matches in Melbourne and I realised I just really missed that one-on-one competitive atmosphere.

“I love doing the hard work out on the court. I love being out there and I love that one-on-one battle.

“I realised I really love playing.

“That year off the tour was definitely a blessing in disguise. I don’t know if I would have ever got to where I am now if I had continued on that path.”

Groth returned to tennis in late 2011, and he has steadily made his way up the rankings ever since.

Before giving the game away, Groth’s highest ranking was No.220.

But since returning with a renewed passion to make the most of his career, Groth reached a career high of No.92 in July, and his aim is to finish the year inside the top 100.

“When I decided to come back, I made the decision I was going to do everything right,” Groth said.

“I wasn’t going to leave any stone unturned.”

Groth’s immediate focus is on helping Australia retain their spot in the Davis Cup World Group.

To achieve this, Australia must beat Uzbekistan in their play-off tie in Perth, starting Friday.

Australia will be spearheaded by veteran Lleyton Hewitt and rising star Nick Kyrgios, with Groth, Chris Guccione and Thanasi Kokkinakis rounding out the squad.

“It’s been a dream of mine since I started playing tennis to have the chance to represent Australia and play Davis Cup,” Groth said.

“It’s an honour to be part of the squad.”

Davis Cup captain Pat Rafter praised Groth for the dedication he’s displayed since returning to the game.

“He’s become a Cinderella story,” Rafter said of Groth, whose fastest serve of 263km/h is a world record.

“Hopefully he can put himself in a position where he can get himself in the top 50.”