Tennis: Spadea aims for top ten

After a stellar 2004 season, Vince Spadea believes a spot in the world's top 10 is within striking distance.

The American, who will play Spain's David Sanchez in the first round of the Heineken Open today, had one of his best seasons last year, ending a career-high 19th.

He won his first ATP singles title in Scottsdale in March, beating top players Thomas Johansson, Wayne Arthurs, James Blake, Andy Roddick and Nicolas Kiefer.

He also made a fourth-round appearance at Wimbledon and the semifinals at both the Masters Series in Rome and Newport.

He is the third-ranked American player behind Roddick (world No 2) and Andre Agassi (No 8).

But despite his inroads, the 30-year-old is under no illusion how tough it will be to crack the top 10.

"I have tried it every year of my career and so far no luck," he said.

"But I think I have put myself in striking distance now and I am playing better than ever.

"I am fitter than ever and faster than I have been. I am just trying to add a few more shots and more offensive firepower, but I think a lot of it is mental ... how much I believe in myself and how much I expect out of myself and just seeing if I can have luck turn my way as well.

"Top 10 is definitely not an easy task but I am ready to make a challenge and really go for it this year. I think it is within reach."

Spadea heads into this week's Open seeded fourth behind Guillermo Coria (world No 7), Tommy Robredo (No 13) and Dominik Hrbaty (No 14).

"I feel pretty good about my off-season ... I am still feeling good about where I can go in this game.

"In this off-season it has given another chance to put a few more things together, relax a little bit and put my mind at ease. Now I am ready to go strong again and put all my physical and emotional energy back into the sport.

"You have a chance to be as fresh as a daisy [coming into this tournament] and not having anything behind you. You are confident because you haven't had so many matches in the past few weeks and you are starting with a clean slate. Auckland is a great opportunity to get the ball rolling and get myself winning matches ... that is why I come back here."

Spadea and his first-round opponent Sanchez have met only once, and it was Sanchez who emerged the victor on a clay court.

If Spadea succeeds in gaining revenge it could see him up against his countryman Robby Ginepri in the second round - provided Ginepri wins his opening match against Argentine Agustin Calleri.

Spadea has been coming to the Open since 1995.

"Auckland is cool. Auckland has got the good weather when it doesn't rain. It is has got the Viaduct, it has got everything a man needs in many ways.

"It is a homely environment, it is a very intimate centre court and the surface suits my game."

Vince Spadea
Born: Chicago, July 19, 1974
Lives: Florida
Height: 1.83m
Weight: 77kg
Plays: Right-handed, two-handed backhand
Prizemoney: $US3,644,849 ($5,249,676)
Highest singles ranking: 19