Nick Kyrgios is hoping a smarter playing schedule and paying more attention to his mental health will help him rise back up the rankings next year after an injury-riddled season.
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He has also set his sights on an Olympic Games debut in Tokyo 2020, declaring his love of playing for Australia two years after a stoush with former chef de mission Kitty Chiller prompted him to withdraw from selection.
Kyrgios won the Canberra male athlete of the year award on Friday night, recognised for his rise to No. 14 in the world at the start of the season and his work off the court to help disadvantaged children.
The 23-year-old says he is free of the injury woes that plagued the past 12 months, flying his fitness guru from London to Canberra to start pre-season training in the capital.
He will lighten his workload in 2019 to give his body and mind time to properly recuperate after admitting to being in "dark places" on the tour this year and seeking help of psychologists.
"I just feel like I've found out what works for me," Kyrgios said. "Long schedules away from home, playing unnecessary events and focusing on things that don't matter to me personally is what drained me this year.
"I was in some dark places this year, that's for sure. When I was on the road, I was in some very dark places.
"I know I've got to keep my schedule lighter, play the events I want to play and just put my focus on the [NK Foundation], when I think that I only get good vibes. At the end of the day, that's what it's about and if I can make a difference, then great."
Kyrgios hasn't played since injury prematurely ended his season in Russia six weeks ago. He restarted intense training last week in preparation for his return at the Brisbane International, which kick-starts the Australian summer of tennis.
Time off the court has given him a chance to put his energy into other areas, like ramping up work for his NK Foundation and slipping back into regular life in Canberra to "get a packet of chips at the servo".
Kyrgios said he was humbled by the hometown recognition, which also saw cyclist Chloe Hosking, para-triathlete Emma Tapp and ice hockey team the Canberra Brave win major awards.
"Just to be nominated with all the great athletes Canberra has, and to just be a part of a night like this, is great. Every athlete in the room deserves an award," Kyrgios said.
"To be recognised for hard work this year, I think I've done more off the court and it's probably been a busier year for me, so it's pretty special to be here and be nominated.
"I'm seeing psychologists now trying to get my mental health right, but I just think as a person I've grown. Having my foundation underway now is pretty special and I'm really going to shift a lot of my focus on to that.
"I had to sit down and think about what made me happy and seeing kids that don't have opportunities to play sport, and giving them the opportunity to do that, that was where I found I was at my most happiest. Way more than when I'm on court."
World No. 35 Kyrgios is the No. 2 ranked Australian behind Newcombe Medal winner Alex de Minaur. Australia has four players inside the world's top 50 and another two inside the top 100.
The top 56 players in the world will at the selection cut off will automatically qualify for the Tokyo Olympics in two years, but countries can only send a maximum of four men's singles players.
Kyrgios withdrew from Olympic selection in 2016 for perceived unfair treatment by Chiller, who sent Kyrgios a 16-page please explain for some of his behaviour.
But it's understood the Canberra junior has a desire to be a part of the Tokyo Olympic team and to help restore Australia as a strong tennis nation. "I love playing for Australia and will always want to play for Australia," he said.
