Armed with the confidence that he has it in him to perform at the highest level, Indian tennis' poster boy Somdev Devvarman has set himself the immediate target of breaking into the top 100 in singles rankings while remaining consistent throughout the new year.
Somdev sparkled early in 2009 with a spectacular performance at the Chennai Open but struggled in the subsequent ATP tournaments.
Acknowledging the shortcomings and then working on them is the best way to progress and Somdev has chosen the same.
"In 2009 I had flashes of really good play and then I also had a lot of slumps. I know now that I have the ability to play at quite a high level. I'm going to focus on doing that on a more consistent basis," Somdev told PTI in an interview as he begins the season at the Chennai Open, starting January 4.
"I know that's what I need to improve my ranking and become a better player. It's the consistency day in and day out that's going to make the difference. I need to stay very focused and give it my best shot. I am definitely aiming at breaking the top-100 soon," he added.
Somdev exceeded expectations last year by notching up some big wins en route to his runners-up finish in the Chennai Open.
Asked if he feels any difference coming to Chennai this year as he will now be the cynosure of all eyes, he said, "Not really."
"I've been preparing the same way and I'm still trying to give myself the best shot at succeeding. My coach and trainer are here and we're really focussing on doing what's best for me to get ready for the first round," Somdev said.
Last year the Assamese lad had stunned top players like Carlos Moya and Ivo Karlovic and Somdev has issued a warning to all the participants declaring that he is ready for the show.
"I am having a hit twice everyday so far with a couple of short workouts a couple of days too. I'll tone it down once we get closer to the tournament. Physically I'm feeling really good. I'm focussed on playing the right way and getting better," he said.
Somdev has been given a wild card for both singles and doubles for the Chennai event. He will partner another rising star Sanam Singh and reckons that playing the doubles would help his singles performance.
"Most of my focus is still going to be on singles. Doubles does help out my singles game a lot too but it's a question of whether or not I can get into a lot of the tournaments. Hopefully I'll be able to do a lot of doubles this season," he said. PTI
