Sporting Life - Wimbledon 2008

British number one Anne Keothavong wants to build on a promising display at Wimbledon by breaking into the world's top 50.

Keothavong was beaten 7-5 6-2 by defending champion Venus Williams as she made her debut on Centre Court at the All England Club.

After becoming the first British woman for nine years to qualify for Wimbledon by right the Londoner has set her sights on improving her world ranking.

The 24-year-old acquitted herself superbly in the opening set, fighting back from an early break and forcing eight break points on Williams' serve in an extraordinary fifth game.

Another break point went begging in the seventh game before Williams finally took advantage of two unforced errors from Keothavong to take command.

The first set lasted 69 minutes but the second was something of an anticlimax, Williams breaking twice to take it in 35 minutes.

Not surprised

"I wasn't surprised how well I played," said Keothavong, who had won just one match in her previous seven appearances at Wimbledon.

"It was my first time out on Centre Court and I've been really excited and looking forward to it.

"Until you're out there, you're not quite sure what's going to happen, but I really enjoyed it and I tried my hardest out there.

"I really felt I was with her in that first set and it was just a few points here and there. I really believed I could have won that match today.

"Playing those kind of matches week in, week out, that's really where I want to be. The more of those kind of matches I can play, the more I can learn and find ways to improve.

"It was an absolutely brilliant experience. Ever since I was a little girl, I've always wanted to play on Centre Court. I could have won that first set, as well. Who knows what could have happened. I hope there are more opportunities in the future."

There are currently five British women ranked inside the world's top 200, in contrast to the men's game with just Andy Murray in that bracket.

And Keothavong is confident she can climb further still and ensure she is back at Wimbledon again next year on merit.

"I'm proud that I'm in on merit and I deserve my place here," added the Londoner.

"Hopefully more girls will follow behind me.

"It's something I'm looking to do for all the grand slams and be in there on merit.

"Can I make the top 50? Definitely. That's my goal and I don't see why not. I'm improving, I've got more in me. I really don't see why I can't."