James Ward has set his sights on an ascent up the ATP World Tour rankings following his display in the French Open this afternoon.
Ward was knocked out by Tommy Robredo in the first round at Roland Garros, but his performance drew praise after he won the first set and pushed the clay expert hard throughout.
The world number 168 is hopeful that he can keep up his form in the coming weeks in order to break into the top 100 and beyond.
"Hopefully I can take this sort of form on to the next few weeks. Everyone wants top 100. I'm aiming higher than that. Obviously that's the first step. It's not going to happen in one week. Even if I made fourth round I wouldn't be top 100. You've got to be realistic and know that it takes a few weeks, a few months, to do," Ward is quoted as saying by PA.
"But if you're consistent and winning more matches, it's going to happen eventually. I'm 27, I'm not 32. People sometimes forget that. I've had injuries in the past when I've had chances to get around 130, 140, but it's not an excuse. You've got to take time and work your way up there.
"I've got a coach now who knows the game. I'm looking forward to working with him and seeing how the next few weeks and the rest of the year goes. I'm working on my mindset, different routines during matches, things I'm thinking about, areas I'm trying to hit the ball on the court. It's a work in progress. It's not going to change in a week. You can see improvements already."
Ward became the first British player in 41 years to come through the qualifiers and reach the French Open.
Barney Corkhill
