Vasek Pospisil's parents fled communist Czechoslovakia before his dad Milos taught himself how to coach his son into a professional tennis career.
Andy Murray's latest Wimbledon opponent knows all about hard graft and family sacrifice - so will be fully unfazed by the hostile home crowd in Wednesday's SW19 quarter-final.
Pospisil was born in Canada two years after his parents had earned enough money to swap Austria for the British Columbia town of Vernon.
The 25-year-old's parents would drive him on a 90-minute round trip through snow-laden roads every day to reach the nearest indoor court in winter.
After defeating British hope James Ward in the third round, the world number 56 is confident he can cope again with a partisan crowd against 2013 Wimbledon champion Murray.
"It doesn't really faze me too much playing in front of crowds that are against me," said Pospisil.
"I like playing in front of big crowds, in general - doesn't matter if they are against me or cheering for me.
"Obviously I'd prefer they are on my side, but I tend to play well in those kinds of situations.
"So I'm not worried about that, really."
Pospisil completely changed his diet to overcome glandular fever in 2013, and has already realised his best-ever grand slam performance at Wimbledon this year.
The fast-improving Canadian paired up with Jack Sock at the last minute at Wimbledon last year, claiming the doubles title and earning the nickname 'Popsocks' in the process.
Pospisil believes that Centre Court men's doubles title victory will help if he ends up facing two-time grand slam winner Murray on Centre Court.
"I had one Centre Court experience, and it was a great one," said Pospisil.
"I'm looking forward to going out there again, and, you know, giving it my best for sure.
"I realise that it's going to be a tough feat to accomplish, to beat Andy here at Wimbledon, his home court.
"I will try and take the positive memories of last year and my good form from this past week."
Source: PA
