Best known at the Brisbane International for a courtside domestic, Sam Groth will aim to do his talking with the racquet after receiving the event’s final men’s wildcard.
The big-serving Victorian caps a solid year by joining countrymen Lleyton Hewitt, Marinko Matosevic, Matt Ebden, Nick Kyrgios and James Duckworth in the field for the Brisbane International starting on Sunday.
The 26-year-old drew attention at the event previously when involved in a public spat with then wife Jarmila when he offered advice during her 2011 quarter-final loss to Andrea Petkovic.
In the absence of her coach Gavin Hopper, Groth stepped in to offer a new game plan after Petkovic claimed the opening set, all while miked up for the TV cameras.
“Don’t talk to me like a (expletive) tourist,” his then wife snapped on live TV after listening to Groth’s tips.
She changed her name back to Jarmila Gajdosova after the pair divorced in 2012.
Groth will be out to create happier memories at a Brisbane International headlined this year by 17-time grand slam champion Roger Federer.
The Australian received the third and last wildcard after climbing from No.218 to 172 in the world rankings in 2013.
“I’m stoked to be able to start my year in Brisbane. I planned to play in the qualifying event so it’s a huge bonus for me to get a wildcard straight into the main draw,” Groth said.
“I think it’s a good reward for the work I’ve put in, not only over the past month but for the past year now.
“I’ve had a good rise in ranking and got myself into probably the best form I’ve ever been.”
In May 2012 Groth hit the fastest recorded serve in a tournament – a 263kph bullet in an ATP Challenger event in Busan, South Korea.
Men’s qualifying for the main draw starts on Saturday.