Mind over matter for psyched-up Cibulkova

World No 6 Dominika Cibulkova took some time to be convinced of the value of using a sports psychologist but, having reaped the benefits, the Slovakian thinks every top player should give it a go.

Riding high from her career zenith when she won the WTA Finals at the first attempt in October, the 27-year-old said the work she put in off the court with her Czechmind coach has made all the difference.

"Maybe three years ago, I thought if I give one hundred percent on the court then off the court it's my time off and I don't need to think about tennis," said Cibulkova after beating Chinese Taipei's Hsieh Suwei on Thursday to reach the Australian Open third round.