The draw has handed Grigor Dimitrov a potential quarter-final with Japan's Kei Nishikori but the former world No.3 sounded more wary of a re-match with Australia's John Millman at the Brisbane International.
Sixth-seeded Bulgarian Dimitrov hopes to use the season-opening Brisbane event starting on Monday as a launch pad back into the world's top five in 2019.
Most tipped the world No.19's revitalised resolve under new coach Andre Agassi to be tested in the final eight in Queensland where he is line to face second seed, ex-US Open finalist Nishikori.
However, Dimitrov hasn't looked further than a potential second round clash with Roger Federer's US Open conqueror Millman.
And no wonder.
A then-unheralded Millman gave Dimitrov an almighty scare in Brisbane's second round in January, holding two match points before the Bulgarian held on to claim a match that lasted more than two and half hours.
The tennis world now knows Millman after his stunning fourth round upset over Swiss great Federer in New York.
Dimitrov didn't need any introduction to Millman but expects to be reminded again of the world No.38's class if they face off in front of a parochial Brisbane crowd this week.
"Yeah. Last year when I played him, I still remember the match very vividly," 2017 Brisbane champion Dimitrov said.
"I mean, he played absolutely lights out, honestly. He had match points and had to come up with some unbelievable shots.
"It's never easy to play on such a level for such a long time but he proved that he can do that throughout the whole match."
Dimitrov expected an even better Millman in Brisbane after his breakout US Open quarter-final success.
"I think with each year he has improved. I think his body is getting even better," he said.
"And he's playing at home now, so he should definitely use that to his advantage."
Millman is one of seven Australians already in the Brisbane main draw ahead of final qualifying - a contingent headed by seventh seed Alex de Minaur and defending champion Nick Kyrgios.
Millman plays 2018 Australian Open quarter finalist Tennys Sandgren of the US in a first round match on Monday.
World No.31 De Minaur takes on Australian wildcard Alexei Popyrin in the first round while Kyrgios faces American Ryan Harrison in a re-match of the 2018 Brisbane final.
The men's field is headed by 17-time grand slam champion and world No.2 Rafael Nadal who flies into Brisbane on Sunday night.
The 32-year-old Nadal - who has a first round bye - will compete in his first tour level event since retiring from the US Open semi-finals with a knee complaint.
The dark horse is fit-again, three-time grand slam champion Andy Murray, who has a 9-0 record at Brisbane after winning the 2012 and 2013 titles.
Murray opens his Brisbane account against Australian wildcard James Duckworth.
