Chennai, Dec. 31 :    Chennai, Dec. 31:  Around this time last year, few outside Argentina had heard of Guillermo Canas. He was, after all, just another tennis pro struggling to move through the jungle of journeymen into higher terrains. Twelve months down the line, Canas is in the big league and enjoying every moment of fame and glory. He had quite a fulfilling year, so much so that he is beginning the 2002 season as No. 1 seed here at the Tata Open. 'This is quite a change... last year on New Year's Eve, I was very downcast after losing in the qualifying rounds at the Adelaide meet,' the boyish-looking Canas said during a tête-à-tête with newsmen this afternoon. 'Must say I'm feeling a bit nervous, but I'm also confident about my game.' Down and out for six months in 2000 with a serious ankle injury, a frustrated Canas had started thinking of quitting the sport. 'Thankfully, I recovered and did well in 2001,' said the Buenos Aires resident. In his breakthrough year, which saw him jumping from world No. 130 to 14, Canas won his maiden crown in Casablanca - that, too, as a qualifier. He didn't win any more title, but qualified for three more finals, besides making the pre-quarter finals at both French Open and Wimbledon. The most remarkable feature of Canas' dream run was his success on all three surfaces - clay, grass and hardcourts. 'The new generation of players from our country all play well on clay and hardcourts, I was the only one who did well on grass too. I just hope I can keep it up.' Canas has a modest ambition in life: to play his best tennis and enjoy himself. 'Of course, everyone wants to be the No. 1 in his sport, but I realise only one person can reach the top,' he said, clearly revealing that he doesn't have dreams unlimited. The best among seven Argentines to have finished 2001 in the top 10, Canas also revealed that the national federation has got nothing to do with the recent upsurge in tennis standards. 'They haven't done anything to help us, we have done it all ourselves.' Very similar to the story of the Leanders and the Bhupathis. A Guillermo Vilas admirer, Canas believes the former French and US Open champion has done wonders for Argentine tennis. 'He gave the sport an identity in our country. We all grew up reading of his exploits and dreaming of emulating him one day,' Canas remarked. 'I hope I'll be as famous as him one day.' His real sporting hero, however, is Diego Maradona. 'Maradona is not just the finest footballer of all time, he's the greatest sportsperson that ever lived,' Canas announced, like a true patriot. Aware of the acute political crisis back home, Canas is worried about the well-being of his family and friends. 'But I have to take it out of my mind and concentrate on tennis as this is my job.' What about goals for 2002? 'There are two. First, to break into the top 10 and secondly, to do well for Argentina in Davis Cup,' Canas revealed. With Argentina hosting Australia on a slow claycourt in Buenos Aires next month, Canas & Co. have a more than even chance of advancing to the quarter finals of World Group competition. If Canas' tennis is as smooth as his English, there is no reason why he can't realise both his goals for the new year.