Dudi Sela insists he can break into the world's top 50 – despite crashing out of the Australian Open in the first round.

The Israeli number one was beaten in straight sets by Argentina's Juan Martin Del Potro after failing to convert a set point in the opener.

But Sela says his level of performance against the former US Open champion has given him plenty of optimism for the year ahead.

"I hope I can break into the top 50 but it's not easy because there are a lot of good players," said Sela.

"I played OK and had a lot of chances but didn't take advantage. After the Del Potro game, I felt pretty good and I'm optimistic for the rest of the year.

"I think that if I play like this all year then I will push up the rankings. I've lost ranking points and slipped to 92 in the world.

"There is always a great support here in Melbourne and I feed off that. There are a lot of Jewish people here who come to watch and that's great."