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Check out Somdev Devvarman's goals for next season...
Having overcome a shoulder injury, India's top singles tennis player Somdev Devvarman said he was working hard to remain strong and break into top 60 in the near future.
"I have had a good 2013, coming back from 600 to inside the top 100. So, now, I feel like there is a good chance for me to build and get back inside the top 75 and top 60 hopefully," Somdev said on Monday.
His career-best ranking has been 62.
Somdev, along with other top players like Rohan Bopanna, is currently training at the SaniaMirzaTennisAcademy on the outskirts of Hyderabad.
One of his greatest achievements so far has been on the ATP World tour when he reached the finals of the Chennai Open in 2009.
Asked when a similar performance could be expected from him again, Somdev said, "Hopefully, this year (this season). You never know. All I can do, or for that matter any player can, is really work hard, try his best. Sometimes results come and sometimes they don't come. So, I think all you have to do is work hard and try to improve, put in a good effort and then let whatever happen, happen."
Bopanna looking forward to Qureshi partnership again
On expectations people have from him in future tournaments, including Grand Slams, Somdev said he was focused on putting his best foot forward.
"I don't know about expectations. I have a certain goals that I want to accomplish. First of all, if I stay injury-free in 2014, I can have a good year. I have been working hard to get stronger, to make sure that I don't have injuries. If that happens, I would like to make a run in a Slam, compete harder with the top 20 guys, top 30 guys and may be have a few more wins over there," he insisted.
"I think if I start doing that more consistently, then the ranking would take care of itself," Somdev added.
He said he was planning to play in the Asian Games, which is scheduled for next year.
Meanwhile, Bopanna, who is all set to partner Pakistan's Aisam ul-Haq Qureshi again, hoped that the partnership would work well.
"I am starting to play with Qureshi again from Chennai Open, which begins on December 30. So, really looking forward to that. It has been a successful partnership in the past for both of us. So, happy to be getting back together. Keep working hard, trying hard and doing well in all the tournaments, especially the Master Series and the Grand Slams," Bopanna said.