Monday, February 21 2005 19:20 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Bangalore: Indian tennis star Sania Mirza today (Feb 21, 2005) said breaking into the world's top 50 by the end of the year will be a "very tough target."

"My aim is to be among the top 50 by the end of the year," the 18-year-old, who became the first Indian woman to win a WTA title earlier this month at Hyderabad, told reporters after Karnataka Chief Minister N Dharam Singh felicitated her.

"I just want to test myself (with this aim)", she said. "I know it's a very tough target, but we will see."

In tune with her latest celebrity status, lensmen clicked away as Singh presented her with a cheque for Rs five lakh on behalf of the State Government.

And thereafter, there was a scramble not unexpected as members of the fourth estate jostled for positions to get her quotes.

And finally, as things appeared to go out of hand, the Chief Minister told the media, "Enough" and she was escorted out.

Referring to the coming Dubai open, Sania, who created history by reaching the third round of the Australian Open, said she was participating in the event just to "gain experience."

"I am leaving for Dubai on February 25. I am not expecting anything. It's a big tournament. I just want to gain experience," said Sania, who has broken into the top 100 after winning the WTA Hyderabad title.

The Hyderabadi said she has resumed her practice this morning but her ankle was paining a little bit and has not completely healed. "But it's better. It's much better. I will try out in Dubai, let's see."

Asked if her ankle injury would hamper her performance in the Dubai Open, Sania pointed out that she played the Australian Open and WTA Hyderabad Open with that injury.

Asked if her performance in the Australian Open, where she lost in the third round to eventual champion Serena Williams was not a fluke, and WTA Hyderabad Open was not a fluke, she posed a counter-question, "I don't know, you should tell me."

To a query, Sania said even if she becomes world number one, she will always have something to improve on her game. "Everyone will expect something more from me even if I am winning everything I am playing. I can't stop that, but yes, I am working hard."

Sania said there is a lot of tennis talent among the Indian teenagers but one just needed to have a bit more patience to produce champions.

"We will have more and more Sanias, Maheshs and Leanders', she said.

Earlier, the Chief Minister said Sania, who had trained in Bangalore in the past, is an inspiration for budding talent in India. Sania said she was happy that the people in all parts of the country, not just in her hometown of Hyderabad are proud of her achievements.