Having successfully defended his ABN Amro Tennis Challenge title, 19-year-old Karan Rastogi is hoping that the qualifying draw wild card for an Rotterdam ATP Tour event he earned would mark a turnaround in his career like Sania Mirza after the Australian Open.
"I hope it does. But you can't compare me with Sania. She plays the women's circuit and she got a wild card for the main draw of a Grand Slam. But, yes, I would be happy if there is a similar boost to my growth," Rastogi, currently ranked 368 on the men's Tour, said on Sunday.
The Mumbai lad, who beat India's number one Harsh Mankad in the final, had won the event last year in his hometown.
The winner of the event gets a wild card into the qualifiers of the 765,000-euro indoor event in Rotterdam, Holland.
Rastogi, who could not go beyond the first round in Rotterdam earlier this year, was confident he would fare better the second time, in February next.
"I am physically stronger and fitter now. There are areas to work on but mentally I am more prepared," he said after the final at the R K Khanna stadium.
The teenager also beat Rohan Bopanna in the semi-finals, proving that last year's win when there were not many top players was not a fluke.
Rastogi, however, was aware that one tournament does not make a legend.
"I have beaten them when they are playing well in the same tournament ... but it just one tournament. They have been playing well the whole year in better tournaments," he said.
With the Davis Cup team selection around the corner, Rastogi's win should turn on the heat on country's top players. And the youngster was frank to say he is keen to play against Korea early next year.
"I hope I am in the playing four. Davis Cup will be a top priority for me. I will be playing for the country, and it is a big event in itself," he said.
