Backing up from a US Open title is never easy - just ask Samantha Stosur.
But the Australian veteran believes Japan's Naomi Osaka has the mental toughness to kick on from her Flushing Meadows triumph and enjoy grand slam success this summer.
Former world No.4 Stosur conceded not so long ago she would wilt under the strain of expectation in Australia following her stunning 2011 US Open victory.
However, she believes Osaka won't suffer a post-grand slam hangover ahead of this week's Brisbane International after watching the 21-year-old hit the ground running following her New York win.
Osaka became the first Japanese player to claim a grand slam but her 2018 US Open victory will be remembered for Serena Williams' running battle with umpire Carlos Ramos.
The controversy would be enough to do anyone's head in but world No.74 Stosur said Osaka showed she was made of the right stuff by continuing her momentum afterwards on the WTA tour.
Osaka finished a stellar year ranked world No.5 and will launch her Australian Open countdown at the Brisbane International, starting on Monday.
"To be honest I was really impressed with Naomi, how she won the US Open and then went into Asia and made the Tokyo final," Brisbane wildcard Stosur said.
"I know when I won, I had my celebration and barely hit a ball for two weeks and then went to Tokyo and struggled. I just wasn't prepared, I was still living on this cloud.
"The expectation on me (in Australia) was really elevated in 2012 and maybe that was a time when it wasn't so easy to deal with.
"But if Naomi was able to back up in Tokyo I am sure this summer will be good for her too."
Stosur, 34, may have never scaled those giddy 2011 heights again but claimed she had exorcised her mental demons Down Under long ago.
Revitalised by an off-season link with new coach Nick Watkins, Stosur said she would embrace the home crowds this summer starting at the Brisbane International.
She is set to face fifth-seeded Czech Karolina Pliskova in the second round.
"I am not feeling any of that (expectation). I have been through it enough times - I know I can handle myself," Stosur said.
"The only expectation I have is to do my best. And I am my own harshest critic."
Brisbane second seed Osaka didn't sound like a player feeling any pressure in Australia, saying she looked back at her US Open win fondly.
"I've had to (look back at US Open controversy) because you guys keep asking me about it," she said.
"But definitely it is something I will always remember (fondly) - but I am not constantly thinking about it."
Osaka is a hot favourite in a Brisbane women's field boasting seven of the world's top 10 including top seed, No.4 ranked Elina Svitolina of Ukraine.
