Goal to play 1 of the Grand Slam qualifiers this year:Karan

Mumbai, Jan 16 (UNI) Karan Rastogi has set his sights on increasing his ranking by another 70 to 80 places so that he would be able to play atleast one of the Grand Slam qualifiers this year.

When asked whether he gets any inspiration from the success of tennis sensation Sania Mirza, Karan pointed out that he knew Sania since they were 12.

''We have traveled together on the sub-junior and junior tour.

She is more of a friend than an inspiration. I am very happy at the success she has enjoyed,'' he disclosed.

Karan just recently found a sponsor for him for this season, the Dewan Housing Finance Corporation (DHFC). The DHFC would sponsor him for an amount of Rs 60 lakh.

Speaking to UNI, Karan said that the DHFC has been a god-send opportunity, as now he can concentrate on his game without worrying too much about the financial part.

He further said that he would be first playing in tournaments in Kolkata and some Asian countries in a bid to get his ranking up before travelling to America for intense training at the Nick Bollettieri Tennis Academy.

He explained that he would be working on his serve and volley and net game which according to him has been his weak points so far.

''I have to improve my game in all departments, but my serve and volleying needs special attention,'' he observed.

When asked where he would like to see himself in rankings at the end of the year, the 19-year-old Mumbai lad said that he does not set goals when it comes to rankings, but rather I set goals about my fitness and making constant improvements in my game.

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