Marcus Daniell had never heard of his playing partner before this week and admitted he wasn't really a fan of doubles.
But he and Romanian Horia Tecau stand on the verge of some NZ tennis history after upsetting the last remaining seeds in the Panasonic Doubles draw - none other than singles favourite Tommy Robredo and fellow Spaniard Marcel Granollers - to progress to a semifinal on Friday.
Daniell (20), who will become top-ranked Kiwi doubles exponent as a result, was excited and optimistic after a 3-6 7-6(5) 10-8 victory that saw the duo rally from 0-5 in the super tiebreak.
He is also the first Kiwi in an ATP semifinal since Brett Steven in Auckland 11 years.
"It's amazing," said Daniell, who hails from the Wairarapa. "I went in with no expectations ... I just wanted to play well and I guess that helped me relax."
He admitted the prospect of facing Robredo, in particular, was daunting, but had been advised to target his 16th-ranked rival in an attempt to overcame any trepidation.
"In warmups, I felt like an absolute fool ... shaky. It's a big step up, but not one that's impossible to get to every once in a while.
"Once we got going, the crowd was amazing. I've never played in that sort of environment before."
Daniell was also full of praise for Tecau, ranked 46th in doubles with four ATP finals already under his belt.
"He's a great guy ... he's such a presence on court, it's easy to be his partner. You know he's got his half of the court and more covered."
With all the seeded combinations eliminated, the doubles competition is now a lottery and ready for an unknown to make his mark. Next up, the duo face the experienced combo of Swede Johan Brunstrom and Jean-Julien Rojer of Netherland Antilles.
"If we can beat these guys [Robredo and Granollers], the sky is the limit."
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