Matthew Ebden has pulled off one of the biggest wins of his career, knocking off world No.6 Marin Cilic in their Australian Open warm-up at Kooyong.
The Australian No.2 lost the first set in a tie-break before taking the match 6-7 (7-3) 6-4 7-5.
"I think I've beaten someone who was seven or eight before so it's maybe my biggest win rankings wise," Ebden said.
"He's (Cilic) been a great player, top five or 10 for a long time, so it's great for me to step up to that level."
At world No.76, Ebden is ranked only behind Nick Kyrgios amongst Australian men, who he lost to in a tight three-setter in Brisbane last week with Kyrgios going on to take the title.
Recently turned 30, Ebden has had a stunning 12 months after starting 2017 ranked 699 in the world.
He was sidelined for six months during 2016 due to a knee injury.
"I feel in great shape and I've definitely improved three or four key little things in my game in the last 12-18 months and probably turned the corner mentally after being out for a bit and I've got a really good appreciation for the game," Ebden said.
"I wouldn't be surprised if my best tennis and years are ahead of me."
A good friend of Bernard Tomic, Ebden said he'd spoken this week with his former Davis Cup teammate.
He said he understood the challenges ahead of Tomic, who has himself slipped down the rankings from world No.17 to 142.
"It's a long way back and it's very testing but it's very rewarding if you want to go through it," Ebden said.
"I know what he's in for and I know where he's at and I'm always there to support him."
Cilic, meanwhile, felt his Australian Open preparation was tracking well.
The Croatian's best result at Melbourne Park was a semi-final appearance in 2010.
"Overall I'm quite happy with the level where I'm at," Cilic said.
"I'm feeling the ball really good and hitting it cleanly from both sides and just a couple more days of practice and I feel like I will be in a good position."
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