Bernard Tomic concedes it is not the smartest idea playing in the Sydney International a few days out from the Australian Open but insists the preparation is worth the risk.
The biggest names in tennis have been withdrawing from tournaments around the country in a bid to get their bodies right for the Australian Open, which begins on Monday.
But Tomic, who comfortably accounted for fellow Australian Jordan Thompson at the Sydney International on Wednesday night, insists his competitive nature and love for Sydney has convinced him it is the right decision to play.
"I think I'm young, still 23, so I have to play as much tennis as I can," Tomic said ahead of the Sydney International quarter-finals.
"Every tournament for me I look at now trying to win. Here is a chance also to maybe win. But, you know, maybe it's not the smartest idea playing before the grand slam, especially with my seed now. I think if I won this tournament I would only go up a spot, so not really difficult.
"You have to play the bigger tournaments now. You have to perform well in the grand slams, the masters, to move up close to the top 10. But at the end of the day, you play for titles. I play for titles. The more I win the better. I love Sydney so much, so I love to be here."
The Sydney International was dealt a blow when three of the top four women's seeds pulled out (Petra Kvitova, Angelique Kerber and Agnieszka Radwanska).
Nick Kyrgios also withdrew from the Kooyong Classis on Wednesday, but Tomic is hoping the confidence gained from winning matches will prove more valuable than the rest.
"I think we've all seen it now this week – people are withdrawing," Tomic said.
"People, they want to feel the best at the Australian Open. That's what you play for, the big tournaments. You want try your best at every tournament, but if your body is not ready to play, obviously I would do the same.
"I'm feeling pretty well. For my sake, I feel like I can perform well here and do well at this tournament. Maybe it's not the smartest idea playing the week before, especially if you're seeded well. But if you're playing as confident as I am, why not."
The tournament's No.1 seed cruised into the quarter-finals with a 6-2, 6-2 victory in 49 minutes against the 21-year-old Thompson, setting up a clash with Russian veteran Teymuraz Gabashvili.
Tomic was in sublime touch in his first hit-out at Ken Rosewall Arena this year, a venue where he has enjoyed plenty of success in the past.
The world No.17 was far too good for his compatriot, who is ranked 132 places beneath him, and he heads to Melbourne Park looking in ominous form.
The 23-year-old has a soft spot for the Sydney International, having won the tournament in 2013.
He believes the confidence he gained from that victory helps him each time he returns to the harbour city.
"I think always looking back it was my first title here, so the memory is always there," Tomic said.
"With the memories comes the confidence. And playing on the court, I feel so good playing on that court. Every time I step on that court I know this is where it all started for me.
"This is an amazing feeling to be on the court. Makes me play the best. It brings out the best tennis in me, and I enjoy it every time I step out on Ken Rosewall Arena."
