Kiwi tennis star Michael Venus is putting his form on the court down to some recent changes off it.
He and German doubles partner Tim Puetz won the prestigious Paris Masters crown on Monday morning, largely thanks to the support of his biggest fans - his family.
Following the win - which the Olympic bronze medallists says was the most significant of 2021 - Venus was quick to acknowledge these two after they joined him on the circuit.
"Thank you to my family who's over here," Venus said on court.
"We had a tough year spent time apart so to be able to share this with you guys it's so special."
Venus credits having his family with him for his recent upturn in form after they were separated for much of the year.
Five or six months we were apart - it was really tough, and I don't think I realised how tough it was until we were back together.
The 34-year-old's frustrations with the MIQ system are well documented, and, after being unable to return home at all, the decision to bring his family on tour proved to be the right one.
A much happier Venus off the court has made for a successful one on it.
"To be able to share experiences like this with them it's so special, but also a lot of the reason I'm playing so well lately."
The Venus clan have an MIQ spot booked for late November, but the win in Paris means he's now in with a shout of playing at the lucrative ATP tour finals in Italy at the same time.
Venus and Tim Puetz have potentially earned an alternate spot for the tournament, meaning the pair could challenge for another big title.
"It's really pleasing to see that our games are matching up against these guys and we can compete at that level."
Whatever's decided, it'll be what's best for the family.
