James Ward: British number three targets tennis elite

James Ward is ready to embrace the Wimbledon hype, the pressure of playing in front of an expectant home crowd and the challenge of closing the gap on Andy Murray.

Fresh from an impressive display at the French Open, the British number three and world number 168, is adding to his own pressure. And he wouldn't have it any other way.

"You have to aim big, you can't just aim for top 100," 27-year-old Ward told BBC Sport a couple of days before he begins his grass-court season at the Aegon Trophy in Nottingham.

"It's the thing that everyone talks about in men's tennis in Britain - getting in the top 100. Everyone craves it but that is only a start. I need to aim higher."

Ward, a Davis Cup regular, is convinced he can still achieve his goals.

"If you look at the top 100 in men's tennis, the average age is about 28-29," the Londoner added. "I have plenty of time.

"Gone are the days of players breaking through at 21 and winning Grand Slams. It takes time to mature."

The maturity in his performance at Roland Garros was clear. Ward won three qualifying rounds to make the first round proper, with his reward a tie against 17th seed and clay-court specialist Tommy Robredo.

Ward took the first set in style and had chances in the second, before the Spaniard took control to win in four sets.

"I gain a lot of confidence from the run and the match against Robredo," Ward said.

"Qualifying for any Grand Slam is especially tough; there are big prizes at stake - in terms of money and ranking points - and people tend to raise their games. But I beat some good players and had my chances against Robredo - which was a really tough draw.

"I played well and can take a lot from it. And the experience was fantastic."

Now the focus is firmly on the grass-court season, starting with Nottingham and then Queens and Eastbourne, before the glitz and glamour of Wimbledon.

Ward's 6ft 3ins frame, his big serve and fierce groundstrokes seem ideally suited to playing on grass.

"Grass helps my game but I think I play pretty well on all surfaces," he added. "And having the home support is huge. It really helps. Plus it's in London so it really is a home tournament for me. It will be amazing."

Defending champion Murray will once again be shouldering the realistic hopes of progressing beyond the first week in SW19.

But the Scot has not forgotten the struggles of trying to make his way on the tour and break into the top 100 and beyond.

Murray has spoken out about those trying to make ends meet - something that resonates with Ward and something he really appreciates.

Ward, a huge Arsenal fan, once had to sell his season ticket to help fund his tennis.

"A lot of people still do not see that side of things so it's great of him to speak out," Ward said.

"He has come from it and not forgotten that, just because he has reached the top. He understands and having the profile he does, when he says something it really helps.

"From the top 50-200 it's so tight and anyone can beat anyone.

"The top guys just have the consistency. But below that level the talent is there. There are a lot of good players."

Ward's efforts in France means he had no fears about the financial impact of getting his season ticket next season.

It also justified his decision to delay his trip to the French Open so he could watch his beloved Gunners in the FA Cup final.

Ward says watching the Gunners provides much-needed escapism away from the court.

"I go with my mates and it was great to see us win a trophy," said Ward, whose knowledge and enthusiasm for the north London club is clear. "If we had bought a striker in January then we could have won the league.

"We had injuries to key players like Theo Walcott and Aaron Ramsay which affected us but if we had signed a striker then it could have been different."

The main London club on the horizon now is the All England Club, but before then Ward wants a good run in Nottingham.

"I would be stupid to look too far ahead," he said. "It depends on draws. But I am playing well and am confident and really looking forward to the summer."

Arsenal's summer suddenly looks more settled too. Manager Arsene Wenger has signed a new contract on the back of a first trophy in nine years.

And Ward is eager to back up his fine French Open form by breaking into the top 100 - at least.