Greg Rusedski is determined to build on his best Australian Open, whatever the cost.

Despite a fourth round, straight sets defeat to 15th seed Arnaud Clement yesterday, Rusedski left Melbourne much happier than Tim Henman.

Both had been comprehensively outplayed one match short of the quarter-finals, but the big difference was that while Henman had failed to go as far as he thought he could, Rusedski went far further than he expected, and beat world No 1 Gustavo Kuerten along the way.

Stopping his career sliding into the oblivion has been achieved by hiring former Wimbledon champion Pat Cash as coach, plus a physiotherapist and body mechanics expert.

''I have a full Australian team with me now and it's been good,'' he said. ''I've never had such a big entourage in my life.''

Asked about the financing of the new ''Team Rusedski'' the 27-year-old said: ''You have to speculate to accumulate. That's the way tennis is. I've had three very good years prior to this. I'll do anything I need to try to get myself back.''

Rusedski's New Year performances after losing to Henman in Adelaide - he was a semi-finalist in Auckland prior to reaching the last 16 at Melbourne Park - lifted his career earnings to approaching £5m since he turned professional ten years ago.

The Milan indoor tournament starting next Monday was next on Rusedski's initial schedule, but he said: ''We're going to discuss whether I'm going to go there or work out and get stronger.

''The indoor season is where I've historically done extremely well and it's nice to go in there feeling fit and strong, having good opportunities.''

Brisbane-based physio Ryan Kendrick will link up again in Copenhagen next month and Rusedski added: ''I've worked really hard the last three months and when I feel healthy I can play good tennis.

''We're very positive and well ahead of schedule."

The Davis Cup tie either home to Portugal or away to the Ukraine in April will put the Rusedski game under the microscope again, but he said: ''I'm excited about it. We can do well.''

Clement, who beat Andre Agassi in straight sets en route to the last eight of the US Open last year, will be hoping to play just as well against Yefgeny Kafelnikov as he did against Rusedski.

Despite the Briton booming down 19 aces, 12 of them in the third set after he had been thoroughly out-played in the first two, the 23-year-old Frenchman was still far too skilful and crafty.

For Australian umpire John Blom, far too slow at one point as well. He gave the player a time violation warning as Rusedski waited to begin that third set.

''Somebody told me that maybe Rusedski asked for the warning for me,'' said Clement. ''I don't think it fair play.''