It is a matter of when and not if for Eugenie Bouchard, who believes she will be back to the top of the WTA rankings as the Canadian looks to challenge for grand slams in 2017.

After bursting onto the scene in 2014 by reaching the Wimbledon final, while she also made semi-final appearances at the Australia and French Opens, Bouchard has struggled to reach those lofty heights due to form and fitness.

Last year, Bouchard did not progress beyond the third round of a grand slam — Wimbledon — boasting a win-loss record of 31-24, with just two WTA Tour finals which the 22-year-old lost.

As Bouchard gears up for next month's Australian Open in Melbourne, she said: "It [a return to the tennis elite] is not a question of if it will happen, but when.

"I don't know when — but if I work hard, good things will happen. My ultimate goal is win a Grand Slam [title], but it's baby steps.

"Australia is always my favourite country to come visit. It's where I had my first Grand Slam breakthrough and I'll always have fond memories of Australian Open and Australia in general.

"Hopefully I can stay here for a nice, long month [meaning a long run at the Australian Open]."