After making his debut ATP Tour semi-final last week in Pune, James Duckworth is into the final at the Bengaluru Tennis Open on Sunday night as his stellar start to 2020 continues.
His appearance in the final four last weekend saw the Sydneysider jump 13 places up the ATP rankings to 83rd spot - just one shy of his career best. A spot in the Challenger final on Sunday night will see him rise even further.
After years plagued by persistent injuries, it's been a long, hard slog to get back inside the top 100.
First there was an elbow injury. Then a broken wrist. Then foot surgery that kept him off the court for most of 2017.
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This time two years ago, Duckworth had fallen outside the top 1000 and admits there were time he wondered whether he'd ever be able to make it back.
"There were some pretty tough periods in 2017 and 2018 and there were times where I wasn't sure whether I'd be able to get back to a decent level." the 28-year-old told Sporting News.
"Throughout 2017 with my foot, it wasn't really getting better and I tried a couple of different surgeries which helped in the end.
"There were periods where I didn't know whether I'd be able to jump or hop or run again.
"I've got a really great support network through my family, especially my brother and sister and my girlfriend as well.
"They've all really stuck with me through those tough times and without all those people I probably wouldn't have been able to make it through.
"For the last two years or so, I haven't had too many long-term injuries, which has been nice.
"It's great to have got through those tough periods and I'm reaping the benefits of it now."
The comeback kicked into overdrive last year, with Duckworth winning four challenger level events and making another two finals to put himself inside the top 100 since May 2017.
Those results will see him earn entry into some of the bigger tour events around the world, allowing him to leave the Asian Challengers behind.
"I know I have to go through that path (through the Challengers) to get my ranking up and get those points to get to those events," he said.
"It's obviously not easy seeing those bigger tournaments on and wanting to be there.
"At the same time, you have to be realistic and know that's the path you have to take.
"You really want to get there you have to focus on those tougher places."
In Pune last week, the huge Newcastle Knights fan enjoyed the fast conditions to earn wins over Peter Gojowczyk, Taro Daniel and Robert Marcora to gain a spot in his first ever ATP Tour semi-final.
He was eventually beaten 7-6(4) 6-4 by Egor Gerasimov, but the tournament set up his run to the final in Bengaluru, where he will play France's Benjamin Bonzi.
"I think I've been playing some pretty good quality tennis and I've beaten some good players," he told Sporting News.
"Obivously it helps getting those extra rankings points.
"I'll be in the 80s now, which will help get me into some big events.
"My game's been developing pretty well over the past few months and it's nice to see that pay off with a few wins."
Following the Bengaluru decider, Duckworth will travel to the US for Indian Wells and Miami, and the big server stil has his eyes on a spot in Australia's Davis Cup side.
"It's something I've always wanted to do," he said of representing Australia.
"I don't know what the situation is, but I'll just try to continue trying to play some good tennis and if my ranking continues going up, I'll put myself in a position for selection."