Ash Barty has credited her family and her team for keeping her level-headed during her incredible rise to the top of the tennis world.
Barty won her debut Grand Slam at the French Open last year before rocketing up the rankings to number one in the world.
After taking out the WTA Finals in Shenzhen in November, she became the first Australian woman to finish a season in the number one spot since the rankings were introduced 46 years ago.
Barty won the Adelaide International over the weekend, further solidifying her spot at the top of the rankings, and is now the outright second favourite to win the Australian Open, behind only Serena Williams.
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A lesser player might let the pressure of an adoring Australian public weigh her down, but Barty says the titles, rankings and fame haven't changed her.
"I haven't had to work hard on being me," she said after her straight sets win over Dayana Yastremska in the Adelaide International final.
"I'm extremely fortunate to have an incredible family, mum and dad, my sisters who keep me very level-headed.
"I think that's the most amazing thing. It really doesn't matter whether I win or lose a tennis match, whether I was playing tennis or I wasn't.
"I'm still the same Ash today.
"I think that's the love and that's the comfort that you need, and it's just so happened that we have had some incredible results and have been riding on this kind of incredible journey with my professional team, who are also my family.
"I think I'm just a very lucky girl to be surrounded by such people."
Barty's win in Adelaide is her first title on home soil, and she'll be looking to improve on her quarter-final appearance at last year's Australian Open, when she lost to Petra Kvitova.
Whether she feels it or not, Barty will be carrying the hopes of Australia on her shoulders, especially with Alex de Minaur pulling out with an addominal injury last week.
Roger Federer, who will be looking to win his 21st major title in Melbourne, said dealing with being the front-runner is something Barty will have to become accustomed to, but the Queenslander is looking forward to the experience.
"I think I enjoy the challenge and I enjoy what next week will bring, regardless of what number is next to my name," she said.
"I think it's a brilliant event to be a part of. You only get to play so many Australian Opens, so I think for me it's about enjoying the competition and the challenge and focusing on what I can do.
"I think there is not really much else I have to worry about in that regard.
"If it's a first round, if it's a final, if it's anything in between, it's still an amazing experience.
"I think I just have to go out there and enjoy it."
Barty starts her Australian Open campaign against Lesia Tsurekno on Monday night.