When Max Purcell began the 2023 season ranked 220 in the world, few could have predicted he would find himself inside the top 50 by year’s end.

Such has been Purcell’s rate of improvement during the past 12 months, Australian great John Newcombe has suggested the former doubles specialist could even find himself inside the top 20 in the near future.

While much of the focus around the local contingent at this year’s Australian Open has centred on Alex de Minaur, Purcell could be a dark horse to reach the second week of the tournament.

It will not be an easy task, given his next opponent is world number 11 Casper Ruud, but he knows how to beat the Norwegian, having done so at last August’s Cincinnati Masters.

The 25-year-old has at least cleared the first hurdle at Melbourne Park, defeating Hungarian qualifier Máté Valkusz 3-6, 7-6 (7/2), 6-4, 7-5 in the first round, despite squandering six match points.

“I thought the conditions really suited me in Cincinnati, more so than him (Ruud) with my serve, and I was coming into the net a lot,” Purcell said on Tuesday.

“It can be hot and fast here. The balls are a little bit heavier. I don’t see why it can’t work again.”

Following his win over Ruud in Cincinnati, Purcell beat three-major winner Stan Wawrinka before pushing Wimbledon champion Carlos Alcaraz to a deciding set in the quarterfinals.

He then made the last eight at the ATP 250 event in Winston-Salem a week later, with his performances on the US hardcourts helping him achieve a career-high ranking of 40 in October.

Now ranked 45, Purcell says his career turnaround in his mid-20s can be attributed to working with fellow pro Dayne Kelly on his fitness and a decision to concentrate on singles rather than doubles.

“The first six months of the year, when I was working with Dayne Kelly, was really impressive,” he said.

“He was really on me with everything professional. He did a really good job. I just thought we gelled really well together.

“I really put the emphasis on giving everything I had into singles. So that kind of kick-started me into the confidence that I have now on the singles court.”

Purcell backed by Aussie great

The encouragement given by Newcombe, a winner of seven major singles championships and multiple Davis Cup crowns, has also boosted Purcell’s confidence.

“I’ve had a lot of these ex-players give me some belief in my game, they like the way I play in trying to come forward,” Purcell said.

“It’s great to kind of have their backing. Obviously, I have my own team’s backing, my own colleagues and friends who back me as well.