GCC champion elated at Dubai outing

He presently ranks as the best in the Gulf region. But that's a crown Mohammed Ghareeb has to selfishly guard if he wants to prove he is the best around here.

From winning the GCC singles title in Bahrain in January till date, Ghareeb has had to tussle with his books at University and be on court whenever possible in an attempt to maintain his top rating in the region.

"It's a tough job for me at present," admitted Ghareeb to the Gulf News after being informed that he has been given a wild card in the doubles' main draw of the Dubai Duty Free Men's Open starting today.

"It feels so great that I will be playing here (along with UAE's Omar Behroozian as his partner). It's like a dream come true for me," Ghareeb said.

This is the first time ever that the 22-year-old Kuwaiti lad will be playing in an ATP event. In the past, he has never got beyond playing in a couple of Future tournaments and at the GCC level, of course.

"It's a big occasion for me. It feels great to play against such great players. We only read about these players in the newspapers. And here I am now, ready to play against them. It's going to be a rewarding experience," Ghareeb felt.

The Kuwaiti does not want to be too overawed by the occasion. "It's perfect to have to compete in a tournament like this once a year. It will help me keep on improving and know where I stand on the world stage. If I keep going like this, I think I can have a bright future in tennis," Ghareeb added.

No doubt, the youngster has been serious about his game. Prior to coming here, he undertook a trip to the USA along with the Kuwait national team coach Patrik Fredriksson, and played a Future tournament there and then spent a fortnight practicing against some top players.

"That was a fruitful experience for me. I know exactly where I can improve," Ghareeb reflected.

"I want to take a two year break after my studies and join the ATP tour. That's my immediate goal," Ghareeb disclosed.

And the future back home is pretty bright especially after the government's announcement for building a state-of-the art stadium within Kuwait City in the near future.

Younger brother Ali has also been faring well back home. So is Ahmed Rabia and Abdullah Magdas, the current under-16 Arab champion. "The stadium will be a big boost for the sport in Kuwait, especially because we have such a pool of talent going along with us," Ghareeb felt.