Togolese tennis palyer Komlavi Loglo, who will represent his country in the tennis event of the Beijing Olympics, said on Wednesday that he hopes to make the top 50 on the ATP world rankings.
The 23-year-old Loglo, 504th ranked currently, is the only Togolese player that can be found in the ATP rankings.
"The travel is very long, but I still want to play tennis as early as possible. I came here a week before the starting of the Olympics, so I hope I can get used to the venue soon," said Loglo, who was accompanied by his elder brother and coach Jean.
Loglo became the first foreign tennis Olympian reaching Beijing as most of the elite players are still in action in North American events.
"I will try to win one or two matches and even three in the Olympics. I feel excited about the Olympics and the city, and it's my first trip to China, I feel pretty good.
"I played tennis since I was nine or ten and I really love that. I hope I can reach the top 50 in the rankings or even the top 20," said Loglo.
The long journey did not affect Loglo, who rested no more than 24 hours before his Wednesday training session. "My training is OK, but I did not do much in my session, just try to wake up my body."
Fifty-six players are entered into the Olympic tennis event based on their singles ranking of June 9, and the lower ranked Loglo came into the event as a tripartite.
(Xinhua News Agency July 31, 2008)