Like the slow but steady tortoise in Aesops fable, Navdeep Singh has began an ambitious climb in his chosen sport "tennis" by earning the first International Tennis Federation junior circuit points.

"Getting my world ITF junior points was the best moment of my tennis career," Navdeep, 15, told Gulf News over the phone. He is currently playing in the Reggio Emilia tournament in Italy.

Navdeep is excited about his beginnings on the circuit. His ITF ranking is only 682 (and ETA ranking of 251), but the Dubai-based schoolboy is determined to make his mark as a tennis player. He is ranked 41 in a draw of 64 at the Reggio Emilia event in Italy. He is also playing in the main draw of the doubles with a bye in the first round.

Navdeep revealed that his next stop would be the Grade 1 ETA at Torrino again in Italy. Prokom Cup, an ITF World Ranking Under-18 tournament, from June 13 will be followed by three events in Ukraine.

"I will be playing in the under-18 events in Kiev, Odessa and Donetsk respectively," he said. Before returning to Dubai, Navdeep will also stop over at Milan. Prior to embarking on the European tour, Navdeep sort of prepared for the grueling European tour by taking part in the Indian national championships in Chennai and New Delhi. "I had a wild card entry in the Chennai National Junior Championship and I made it to the last eight stage," he said. He repeated this in the doubles at New Delhi.

Before the Reggio Emilia event, Navdeep collected 10 points thus managing to get a direct entry into the main draw of the premier Italian event. "With this my ETA ranking is likely to climb to 241."

Navdeep, who began hitting tennis balls at the age of six, says he chose tennis because it was the best individual sport. "I think it is a beautiful sport," he said. Moreover, he added, "I don't have to depend on anyone else, hence I'm to blame if I miss a shot and I get the accolades for winning."

Also, "you have to have every quality that an athlete must have in order to play tennis," he emphasised. Navdeep said his father, who represented St. Stephen's College, Delhi, inspired him to take up tennis. "In Dubai too my father has won a few titles and his trophies in the family cupboard inspired me to do even better."

"My father has helped me a lot," he said, adding, "without him it would have been impossible for me to come up to this level," feels Navdeep . Navdeep, who has crossed the first round hurdle at the Orange Bowl in America, said that he was thankful to Paul Tague and Ben McDonald, and fitness coach Greg Bouche for their guidance. He also made a mention of Alitalia airlines Dubai and Head co. A.G. Dubai for backing his trip to Europe.

Navdeep's favourite player is Andre Agassi. "I admire his groundstrokes, he's unmatched in that department." And, Navdeep dreams of becoming a star like Pete Sampras and Ande Aggasi. "Well that's what I am aiming for," he says revealing his naked ambition.

"I am prepared to work hard," he said. Navdeep is another rising expatriate star on Dubai's sporting horizon. But time will tell if he shines in the future or fades into oblivion like many others.