Somdev aims to reach top 70 in two months

Indian tennis star Somdev Devraman's top priority at the moment is to get back into the top 100 in ATP rankings and then go for top 70 in the next couple of months.

"I had broken into the top 100 last year and out again this year, hopefully I'll  be able to get back in and be more consistent, hopefully get into the 70's and give myself a shot at playing in a lot more tournaments this year," Somdev, whose current ranking is 108, said on the sidelines of the Singapore Challenger.

Somdev's next stop is Johannesburg in South Africa where he reached the quarterfinals last year. 

"I hope to reach the quarters here and probably do better," said Somdev.

On his  plans ahead Somdev said, "I'll be playing at Johannesburg and then another challenger here, and will then start preparations for the Davis Cup and play two challengers in March to try and get my rankings up."

Speaking on India's chances at the Davis Cup against Serbia in Serbia, Somdev said  though it is a tough tie, he has a gut feeling that India would do well. 

"Bops and me played well the last tie and we have quite a strong team, with Lee and Hesh in doubles with a combination like this we always have chance, if we pull off a win on day 1 we have a very good chance," said Somdev. 

"I'm looking forward to the tie which may be played either on indoor hard surface or on clay," he added. 

On his performance at the Singapore Challenger, where he was a favorite for the title,  he said that he was playing well but was somewhat disturbed by rains, which altered the playing schedule on a couple of occasions. 

"I'm a professional an have to take it in my stride and can't complain, have to overcome such situations. It's a good learning experience for me," he said. 

"I was expected to do well but it was certainly not my day and I was sluggish on the court against Andrej Martin. I didn't utilize my  strength, which is moving around," he admitted.