Barbados’ No. 1 has another number in mind.
After jumping 236 international spots this season, local top-ranked tennis player Darian King is eyeing yet another huge leap after revealing his aim is to crack the world’s Top 300 next year.
The overseas-based pro and world No. 489 disclosed his intent in a recent interview with NATIONSPORT following a first-round match at the Ocean View Tennis Courts.
“Obviously I will try to get as high as I can but the aim is really for 300 in singles, and I think if I seriously get back into playing doubles, then I can aim for 300 there also,” revealed the 20-year-old Davis Cup player.
“To do that, I will be looking to improve my strength and condition in the gym and then I should be going back up to Miami from January 7 to prepare for the Davis Cup in February before starting back [on] the professional tour.”
Starting the year ranked 718, King reached a career-best 482 earlier this month following a successful season that saw the former The Lodge student win two singles titles and eight doubles championships to go along with four other finals appearances.
This was after King switched his training base to Miami under the guidance of former top Barbados player Martin Blackman, to whom he attributes all his success.
“For Martin, fitness was the key because he kept stressing that my technique isn’t such a big factor anymore,” King explained.
“He kept telling me that once I can move like [world No.5] David Ferrer and run all day, then I can really be successful because fitness is the main key in tennis now.”
But before he makes another assault on the world rankings, King will focus squarely on El Salvador as Barbados prepare for the much awaited Davis Cup encounter in February on the red clay of the South American continent.
“It’s clay and three best-of-five [sets], so everything changes and once again fitness is going to be key,” said King.
“You have to be mentally prepared and physically prepared to stay on the court for three or four hours straight, so we’ve already started training for the Davis Cup and it’s going well right now.”
