BLAISE Bicknell says his title-winning performance at the ITF World Tennis Tour M25 tournament in Quebec, Canada, is a confidence boost as he aims to improve his world rankings.

The 23-year-old, who was out action for more than eight months following hip surgery, came from a set down to defeat Canada’s Justin Boulais 3-6, 7-6, 7-6 in the final a match last Sunday.

“This one is very special because it is my first title since my hip surgery,” Bicknell said. “I feel like this will help me to get back to the top of the game.”

Bicknell’s path to the championship wasn’t easy. Not only was he returning from injury, but he also battled the flu throughout the week and had to save three match points in the final before sealing the victory.

“It was a very difficult tournament because I was sick throughout the week,” he said. “In the final, I had to save three match points, but I was able to come back and get the win.”

The win has pushed Bicknell’s ATP world ranking up from 922 to 710. At his peak Bicknell was ranked as high as 310 in the world, and he is determined to climb even higher.

“Going forward, this will give me a lot of confidence to ride the momentum and get straight up to the top of the game,” he said.

Now fully recovered and building momentum, Bicknell has his eyes set firmly on bigger stages, including getting into a Grand Slam tournament.

“I am feeling great because this is a good accomplishment for my game and I am just really excited to use this momentum to get better, going forward,” he said. “You can expect some more big results — and hopefully by next year — in the Grand Slams.”

Bicknell is now preparing for a series of ATP Challenger tournaments in the United States in the coming months as he continues his steady push up the world rankings. “I have some more ATP Challenger tournaments in America and I am just preparing and looking forward to great things,” he said.