Revitalised Haas targets maiden grand slam title

LOS ANGELES, July 31 (Reuters) Germany's Tommy Haas, back to full fitness and enjoying a new lease of life on the ATP Tour, has set his sights on a first grand slam singles title.

The 28-year-old won his third tournament of the season with a 4-6 7-5 6-3 victory over Russia's Dmitry Tursunov at the Los Angeles Open yesterday but is determined to make his mark at a higher level.

''I'd just like to give myself the best possible chance to do well and see if I can make my dream come true,'' Haas told reporters after winning the 10th ATP title of his career.

''I'll try to keep this going for the next couple of weeks.

''It's not going to get any easier, but I feel if I can stay healthy, stay in shape and keep playing tough matches, I'm heading the right way for the US Open.'' The New York grand slam event starts on Aug. 28.

''It is my goal to be in the top 10 by the end of the year,'' the Florida-based German added.

''The way I'm playing right now, if I can maintain that and get into even better shape and get a lot of confidence, I think I'm going to be tough to beat no matter who I play.'' Haas, who reached a career-high second in the rankings midway through 2002, has been clawing his way back up after a series of injuries over the last four years.

He played the second half of the 2002 season with shoulder and elbow problems and was sidelined for all of 2003 following surgery on his right shoulder.

After winning hardcourt titles this year at Delray Beach and Memphis, he suffered a wrist injury in April but he now believes his battle for fitness is over.

''After the second surgery, I treated it like my first career was over and this is my second one,'' said Haas, the silver medallist at the 2000 Sydney Olympics.

''If I said I didn't have a lot of confidence right now, I would be lying.'' REUTERS PM HS0853