Gilles Muller won his first ATP title in Sydney on Saturday night, now the 33-year-old plans on making up for lost time.
Muller shed tears of joy after downing Dan Evans 7-6 (7-5) 6-2 in in the Sydney International decider.
It was the Luxembourg lefty’s sixth ATP final and came 16 years after he first turned professional.
Muller now has the chance to achieve another career first at the Australian Open. He has never progressed beyond the fourth round at Melbourne Park.
It won’t be easy. Muller first meets American Taylor Fritz at the season-open grand slam, with third seed Milos Raonic likely to be waiting in the second round.
Muller, who will rocket into the world’s top 30 for the first time in his life as a result of the breakthrough, says there is no reason he can’t continue to improve.
“When I look back at last year, I ended up being world No.34 and there were a couple of matches that I could have, should have won,” Muller said.
“Look at Feliciano Lopez, I think he reached his best ranking age 33.
“Ivo Karlovic had an unbelievable last year (at age 37) … he had six months where he was winning everything.
“I missed a couple of years because of some injuries when I was younger, so I want to use the time that I have now to be the best player I can.”
The veteran, who was so sick in Brisbane last week he struggled to leave his hotel room, was unsure of what sort of physical state he’d be in for Tuesday’s clash with Fritz.
“I don’t know. I’m just enjoying this moment now,” he said.
“I don’t want to think about Melbourne. I just want to enjoy the moment, go back to the hotel now, rest, and enjoy this moment with the family.
“I don’t have an easy draw.
“But obviously if I don’t take confidence from this week, where would I take it from?”
Muller admitted he had to be more careful at his age when it came to recovery and training.
“You feel the difference when you’re 20 and when you’re 33,” he said.
“You have to be more careful about stuff. I’m (also) more disciplined about my life outside of the tennis court.”
