In a year when Nick Kyrgios deservedly stole the headlines as the next big thing in Australian tennis, Sam Groth was unassumingly kicking some goals of his own.
While not attracting the media fanfare of his younger charismatic countryman, the Victorian’s season was one of milestones.
At 27, he broke into the ATP top 100 for the first time in September, made his Davis Cup debut against Uzbekistan and finished the year ranked No.31 in doubles – the highest of any Aussie.
The fact he slipped under the radar somewhat is in contrast to the way he plays the game.
Known for his big serving, Groth holds the world record for the fastest delivery – a casual 251km/h bullet.
And he appears to relish the heat and quick surface at Brisbane.
Groth sent down the most aces in the men’s draw last year with 53 and clocked the fastest serve at 234km/h on his way to a surprise quarterfinal run.
While his season undoubtedly got a kickstart in Brisbane, it was promising results transitioning from the Challenger circuit to the ATP Tour that has solidified his confidence.
He made his first ATP semifinal at Newport where he sent down 52 aces during the week and held 39 of 42 services games.
“I now feel like I belong at this level, especially after the second half of last year playing a heap of ATP tournaments,” he said.
“For me, this is where I want to be and I’m confident knowing I had a good off-season.”
But it’s his improving volley skills, which have made his net-charging tactics far more effective.
Along with his singles ranking, Groth’s standing in the doubles world also trended upwards in 2014.
The highlight was an ATP Tour doubles title in Bogota with fellow Australian Chris Guccione in July.
As for the off-season, Groth says it has been fruitful, but admits he is “chomping at the bit” to sink his teeth into a proper match.
“You train for six weeks and you just want to get out there and play matches,” he said.
“This off-season, I’ve been able to train more to my game style and not so much on general fitness.
“My game style is a lot different to other guys, so I have to train a little bit differently.
“I’ve done a lot of repeat effort work and power in the gym and I’m looking to be more explosive.”
The big hitter has even more reason to wind up after launching the Brisbane International’s Aces for Hearts campaign.
The initiative will see Treasury Casino and Hotel donate $100 to McDonald’s Ronald McDonald House for every ace hit on Pat Rafter Arena at the tournament.
“It’s an honour to be a part of this year’s fundraising effort to help the charity accommodate even more families in their time of need,” Groth said.
“I’m excited to get out there.”
You can catch Sam Groth in action at the 2015 Brisbane International presented by Suncorp and supported by Tourism and Events Queensland. The event will be held at the Queensland Tennis Centre from 4-11 January. Tickets are now on sale through Ticketek.
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