Max Purcell is an Australian Wimbledon champion who’s really not too bothered about the defence of his men’s doubles title, because this most singular of characters now only has the singles on his mind.
The Sydneysider, who’s rocketed to No.3 in the national rankings since deciding to go it alone this year, believes he can launch the Australian challenge with an opening-round sensation on Monday against one of the world’s best players.
Pitted against Andrey Rublev, the Russian world No.7 who's a regular quarter-finalist in grand slams, Purcell offered the bullish message: "I'm not here to make up the numbers and just trying to beat someone who likes the surface less than me first round.
"I'm looking to go deep."
The confident 25-year-old never liked the idea he was seen merely as a doubles specialist, even after his triumph with Matt Ebden at Wimbledon last year.
Asked about that tag by AAP a couple of years ago, he shrugged: "I hate it. You don't pick up a tennis racquet as a little kid to want to be a doubles player. You want to be a singles player".
And now he really is a very good one.
This time last year, when doubles was his main beat, he was world No.209 in singles; now, after a spectacular year which featured three second-tier Challenger tournament wins in successive weeks in India and a trio of other finals, he'll start Wimbledon as No.64.
And if you might think he's been unlucky drawing a player of Rublev's calibre first up, he doesn't see it that way.
"At least this way I get to play a seed before he’s played many matches on the surface," he said. "Fingers crossed, I can get it done."
Purcell returns with good memories of his 2022 doubles triumph.
"But I'd like to make new memories in singles," he said, having adopted a more "selfish" approach once he decided to focus on singles.
"It’s great to be known for winning the doubles, but I'd like to be known for doing damage in the singles here."
Because of their different schedules, he and Ebden won't be defending their title together this year, as they play with different partners - Purcell with fellow Sydneysider Jordan Thompson in a reprise of their Davis Cup combo, and Ebden with India's Rohan Bopanna.
"No disappointment, we’re not bothered about that," Purcell said.
"I’m not too bothered with the doubles results anyway, because I’m here for the singles."
Purcell, who's recovered from the ankle injury and blistered racquet hand that hampered him at the French Open, thinks he's got the unorthodox game, with his unusual forehand slices and all-court confidence gleaned from doubles, to be really effective on grass.
"A couple of years ago, I made the semis in Eastbourne, I see no reason why I can’t compete with these guys on any surface," he said.
"And why not the one I love playing on the most?"
"It's a surface that evens everyone out, so I feel there’s no reason why any of us Australians can’t take out any big players."
AUSTRALIANS IN ACTION ON DAY ONE AT WIMBLEDON ON MONDAY (PREFIX DENOTES SEEDING):
Men's singles
Max Purcell v 7-Andrey Rublev (RUS)
Jordan Thompson v Brandon Nakashima (USA)
Aleksandar Vukic v Daniel Altmaier (GER)
Women's singles
Storm Hunter v Wang Xinyu (CHN)
