Viktor Troicki is targeting the Top 10 in his comeback from a reduced doping suspension, having almost reached the Top 100 four months into his return.
The former No. 12, who was suspended for a year for refusing to take a blood test, is ranked No. 101. He told Serbian television station B92(Serbian text here) that "the goal is to enter the top 10" and get into the Davis Cup team to "play for my country."
The Serb was unranked a month into his return but performed well in Challenger tournaments and reached two ATP quarterfinals and one semifinal. "I think I could have done more, but the fact is that I only played four months and was unable to play major tournaments. I think the upcoming season will be better events," he said.
Troicki protested his suspension, saying he received apparent permission to skip the test because he was ill and gave the test the following day. An independent tribunal reduced his suspension to 12 months, saying there were unclear circumstances. Troicki criticized the ITF and the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) for seeking a two-year suspension for him and for Marin Cilic, who tested positive for a substance he said he mistakenly took for glucose tablets. His suspension was also appealed and reduced.
"When ITF and WADA make a mistake, they protect themselves. They’re too big to be wrong and that is why I suffered, just like Cilic did," said Troicki.
The 28-year-old will get straight into the Australian Open in singles.