Reigning champion Daniil Medvedev may opt to skip his Sydney International defence following a strong campaign in Brisbane.
The 22-year-old took in-form Kei Nishikori to a three-set final in the Brisbane International on Sunday night, falling 6-4 3-6 6-2 to the World No.9.
Leading up to the final, the Russian defeated the likes of Andy Murray, Milos Raonic and Jo-Wilfried Tsonga.
However, admitting that he struggles with the five-set slog in the Grand Slams, Medvedev may choose to skip the Sydney International to rest before the Australian Open begin on January 14.
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"I'm going to go there and practice tomorrow and see how it goes and decide from there," Medvedev said on Sunday.
"I will just see how I feel."
Last year Medvedev defeated Australian Alex de Minaur 1–6, 6–4, 7–5, in front of the 19-year-old's home crowd.
Returning to Sydney as the World No.16, Nishikori believes that the Russian has the potential to crack the top ten Down Under.
"Today's match; it was good tennis and I'm sure Daniil is going to be top 10 soon," Nishikori said after the Brisbane International final.
Regardless of whether he choses to play in Sydney or not, Medvedev leaves Brisbane with strong preparation behind him for the Australian Open.
"I managed to come back in the second set, but he played amazing and deserved it," Medvedev said of Nishikori.
"If I play like in the second set I have the chance to do it (beat the top players), but it's tough to keep this level against these guys mentally.
"He played like a top 10 player tonight and I gave him a fight."