World No.11 Juan Martin del Potro is content to simply soak up the atmosphere from Auckland Classic fans after wrist and hip injuries had eft him on the brink of giving tennis away.
The big serving Argentine spent Monday hitting up on the practice courts and greeting young fans after his second seeding earned him automatic qualification into the second round.
And after so long away from the game, the 198cm-giant was pleasantly surprised his towering frame still cut a memorable figure with the next generation of fans.
"They still remember me, which is nice," the 29-year-old former Classic winner joked.
The light-hearted approach is typical of a del Potro who has fallen back in love with the game.
The power-hitter has won 20 ATP career titles, including the 2009 US Open, becoming the first player to beat Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer in the same grand slam.
But his Rio Olympics silver medal and leading Argentina to victory over Croatia in last year's Davis Cup final, which have lifted a weight from his shoulders.
"(The Davis Cup win) was so big for our history and then, when I got that trophy, I played without pressure (for the rest of the year).
"Now I have nothing to lose because I came close to quitting tennis two years ago."
The more relaxed del Potro went on to knock a red-hot Federer out of the US Open in the quarter-finals before narrowly going down to eventual champion Nadal in the semis as he climbed back to world No.11.
He is clinging to his positive mindset as he uses the Auckland Classic to open his 2018 season, having missed the tournament in recent years.
When he won the Classic in 2009, he went on to claim the US Open crown.
However, winning the double again won't be so easy. Del Potro needs treatment up to three times a day on his troublesome hip and wrists and has been forced to rebuild his power game with slices and deft touches.
He will face Canadian Denis Shapolov or Brazilian Rogerio Dutra Silva in the second round in Auckland.
"It's a long way back (from injury) but I like to be here," he said.
"It's an exciting time in my life trying to win another big event."
