When the world tennis rankings are released later this week he will sit at No. 75 in the world, 119 places higher than at the same time last year.

In doubles he is world No. 31, seven places higher than the next ranked Aussie, and sometime doubles partner, Chris Guccione.

Yesterday the big-serving Border prodigy was beaten by world No. 61 Adrian Mannarino 3-6 7-6 6-4 in the ATP Challenger event in Tennessee as he looked to emulate countrymen Nick Kyrgios and James Duckworth as multiple Challenger winners this year.

The Frenchman came up with some critical points when trailing in the second set tiebreaker after Groth had held match point at 6-5.

Groth paid tribute to the winner and his own coach.

“Adrian made some clutch balls at the right time — the lob at 4-3 in the tiebreak was just a great shot,” he said.

“I’ve made a lot of good friends at this tournament in the past three years and if I’m not in London at this time next year then I will definitely be back.

“I just want to thank my coach Ben Mathias — he has taken me into the 70s and I owe a lot to him.

“Without his guidance in the past two years, without him pushing me, I just couldn’t have got to this point.

“He doesn’t like a lot of recognition but he really deserves it.”

Groth’s breakout year included a second round appearance against Roger Federer at the US Open and a winning debut for Australia in the Davis Cup.

Yesterday was his fourth Challenger Tour final, having won his maiden Challenger title in Rimouski, Canada, in March and having also reached the Leon, Mexico, and Nottingham deciders.

In doubles, Groth partnered with Guccione for the Bogota crown in July, and teamed with Leander Paes to reach the Washington final that month.

He also made a run into the French Open semi-finals with Andrey Golubev.

Groth will now return to Australia to prepare for the Australian Open.