Somdev wraps up 2009 year on high note

Somdev Devvarman, the numero-uno Indian tennis sensation ended 2009 season on high note. He started the year by reaching the final of ATP Chennai  (his home town) Open 2009 en route defeating top players like Carlos Moya, and Ivo Karlovic. He started the year at ATP #209 and so far has reached to ATP #126 (ATP# 116 -highest career ranking).

Major Success of 2009

Grand Slam : Somdev participated in Wimbledon (Doubles) and US Open 2009. Though he lost in the
the first round of Wimbledon Doubles, He reached to 2nd round of US Open Singles. He didn't qualify for Australian and French Open.

Davis Cup : Somdev Played for India in Davis Cup against South Africa and Taiwan. India won both the ties defeating Taiwan with 3-2 and South Africa with 4-1. Somdev won both singles against South Africa and Taiwan. Somdev's super efforts put India into World Group after 11 years of gap. India will play against Russia for the first World group match in Russia.

ATP Challenger : Somdev participated in various ATP Challenger events reaching quarters of Seoul Open and final of Charlottesville Challenger.

ATP Tournament : Somdev reached third round of Legg Mason Classic en-route defeating Marian Cilic in the 2nd round.

The year 2010 will bring more success to Somdev's and hopefully he will become the Top 50 Player in the world.

Somdev Lost but won hearts at Charlottesville Challenger Final

Somdev, the top seed Indian Tennis sensation, who was seeded 3rd at Charlottesville Challenger Open Lost in the final to 2nd Seed and 87 ranked Kevin Kim of USA 6-4, 6-7 (8), 6-4. Somdev had earlier defeated Kim at Chennai Open, however, he was unable to repeat the same performance at Charlottesville. Post semi-final win against Ryan Sweeting, which Somdev won 6-4,4-6,6-2, when Somdev was reminded of his win against Kim at Chennai Open, He responded, “It was completely different conditions — hot, outdoors, bouncy courts, Here, it’s fast, indoors. It’s completely
different conditions. But I’m looking forward to a good match". As promised he was able to produce good match, however not enough good to make it a win.Nonetheless, his gritty play won many hearts as he was able produce excellent game, dropping his serve only twice and winning the second set in the tie breaker 8-6. Kevin Kim who defeated Donald Young in the semi-final with 6-2,7-5 scoreline and had to play three-setter against Sanam Singh previous day was able to maintain its momentum going. Devvarman earned 45 ATP points and $4,240 as Runners-up of the event, probably this will put him in Top 100 or close to Top 100, when the rankings will release on Monday.Somdev was excited when he got a chance to play at Charlottesville, VA as a professional player as he studied at University of Virginia and lives here, so in a way it is home away from home and would have been more happy, had he won the tournament.

Roger Federer, the number one seed and defending champion at Basel ATP open, also lost against Novak Djokovic of Serbia 6-4,4-6,6-2 in the final and had to contend with Runners-up.

Somdev enters into Semi at Charlottesville Challenger

Somdev enters into semifinal at Charlottesville Challenger event defeating Matwe Middlekoop of Netherlands with 6-3,6-4 scoreline. Somdev will meet Ryan Sweeting of USA, who is seeded 5 at the event, defeated no.1 seed Michael Russel of USA with 6-2, 3-6, 7-6 (1).
However, countryman and current U.Va sophomore Sanam Singh lost to second seed Kevin Kim (ATP # 87) of USA.Sanam, who returned to professional circuit after a long period, fought his heart out but lost the quarter-final 5-7, 7-6(3), 6-7(5). For Somdev, there wasn't a much of a challenge from Dutch Middlekoop. Another semifinal will be played between Kevin Kim of USA and Donal Young (USA), the upcoming tennis sensation.

Roger Federer also entered into Semi-final at Davidoff Swiss Indoors Basel, an ATP world tour 500 event.He is going to play against fellow countryman Marco Chiudinelli. Federer is playing the frist event after long six week break.

Somdev wins at Charlottesville ATP Challenger- Inching towards 100

Somdev won the first round at Charlottesville ATP Challenger ($50, 000) tournament. Somdev, seeded no.3 at the event beat Hungary's wild-card entrant Lukacs Denes 6-3, 2-6, 7-5. Though Somdev wasn't at his best, he managed to seal the victory. Devvarman will next face Izak, Van Der Merwe of South Africa, who beat countryman Klaasen Raven 6-4,6-4.

Somdev is currently ranked at 116, his highest ranking so far and is inching closer to Top 100. He may break into top 100 anytime now. Another Indian Sanam Singh, who is sophomore at University of Virginia ( Somdev's alma mater) also reached at second round beating Zemlja Grega of Slovakia 6-2,5-7,6-4. He next faces Scoville Jenkins of USA.

Top 5 seed at Charlottesville ATP Challenger are

1) Russel Michael, USA (ATP # 85)

2) Kim Kevin (ATP # 87)

3) Somdev Devvarman (ATP #121)

4) Anderson Kevin (ATP # 123)

5) Sweeting, Ryan (ATP # 124)

Somdev storms into Seoul ATP Challenger Quarters

Somdev Devvarman enters into Seoul ATP Challenger Quarterfinal defeating Slovakian Pavol Cervena with score reading 3-6 6-3 6-4. After loosing the first set Somdev came up with good effort to beat the in-form Slovak. Another India player Prakash Amritraj lost against second seed and defending champion Yen-Hsun Lu of Taipei with 1-6, 3-6 score. The fourth seed is next up against Dusan Lojda of Czech, who got walk over against the eight seed Udomchoke Danai of Thailand.

Somdev advanced to second round : Seoul ATP Challenger

Somdev, the top-ranked Indian Tennis player, who is seeded 4th, advanced to second round at Seoul ATP Challenger tournament, which has $125 000 prize money. Somdev was leading against South African player Rik de Voest with 6-3, 2-0, when his opponent pulled out because of the injury.

Somdev will play against Slovakian Pavol Cervenak in the 2nd round. The other India Tennis player Prakash Amritraj also won his first round and will play against the 2nd seed Taipei Davis Cupper Yen-Hsun Lu (ATP # 118), in the second round. Lu is the defending champion.

Percept Talent Managment, a subsidary of Mamba International, has acquired marketing rights of Somdev Devvarman. Somdev is currently ranked ATP 121, which is his highest ranking so far

The top 5 seeded player at Seoul Atp Challenger are

1) Go Seoda (JPN) , ATP # 149

2) Yen-Hsun Lu (TPE), ATP # 118

3) DE Bakker Thiemo (NED), ATP #111

4) Somdev Devvarman (IND), ATP #121

5) Lacko, Lukas (SVK), ATP # 126

Somdev Targeting Top 75 rankings

Somdev Devvarman, who is currently ranked at #124 is targeting to be among top 75 in near future, mentioned Somdev to MSN India. The Atp ranking of 124 is his highest ranking so far. It seems Somdev is scaling new heights day by day and this year has been so successful.
India is going to play world group Davis cup tie against Russia in Russia. Russia has one of the strongest tennis team and many top 20 players. Somdev mentioned it is not going to be easy, but they will put their best foot forward and upset can happen.

Somdev likes to listen western music and he looks to Roger Federer for the Tennis inspiration.

His favorite actresses are Priyanka Chopra, Jennifer Aniston, and Cameron Diaz

His Nickname is Buji

Somdev wins at Tashkent Open : First Round

Somdev devvarman, the ace Indian tennis sensation won the first round at the Tashkent Open 2009 ($ 125 K) ATP Challenger event. Somdev crushed 281- ranked Spaniard Guillermo Olaso 6-3, 6-2 in straight set. Somdev will take on the winner of the match between Latvia's Deniss Pavlovs and Russia's Alexandre Kudryavtsev. Bopanna, who was given wild card entry lost in the first round against his doubles partner and top seed Yen Hsun Lu of Taipei.

Yuki Bhambri the new Indian teenage sensation is now ranked in top 350 .

Somdev puts India into Davis Cup World group

Somdev's second singles win against top seeded South African Rik de Voest with scoreline as 3-6, 6-7 (3), 7-6 (5), 6-2, 6-4 placed India into Davis Cup World group after 11 years. The marathon game lasted for almost 5 hours. Both the players started the first set nervously, the South African ranked at 189 was successful in breaking Somdev's serve in 5th game that gave him 3-2 lead, which he maintained by holding his serve and completed the set in 50 mintues with scoreline as 6-3. Nevertheless, Somdev was playing hard. The next set was closely fought as both the player held their respective serve. In the tie-breaker, somdev lost the set 7-3.

After loosing the first two sets, It was tough for the 133 ranked Indian as Rik was playing excellent serve and volley game. However, Somdev maintained his cool and continued his efforts. "I was down two sets. I kept looking at the bench. My teammates stood behind me and that gave me the confidence to fight back", Somdev quoted. The third set was tight for both the player as it went into tie-break. It was make or break for Somdev, he pulled the set with 7-5 scoreline in the tie-break. This gave him a chance and confidence to fight for another two set as Somdev was quoted saying "After I took the third set, I knew it was going to be a very tough but I had full confidence in my abilities and fitness." The next set was easy for Somdev as he broke Rik twice in 4th set to win it by 6-2 and Rik seems to be exhausted. In the fifth set Somdev Devvarman broke Rik's serve in the 5th game after the controversial line call, which went against the South African. Finally, Somdev sealed the victory with 6-4 scoreline and also place for India in Davis Cup World Group after 11 long year."It is a wonderful feeling to see India into the World Group" mentioned the elated Somdev.

Nevertheless, Somdev was full of praise of his oppenent,"He started playing unbelievable tennis. He was spot on with his tactics and was executing them really well. Rik is a great player and a great teammate. He was making me look silly at the start," he said.

With 3-1 lead, the next reverse singles is in-consequential. World's top Junior player Yuki Bhambri is going to play against 2nd seeded South African Izak van der Merwe.

Earlier, India conceded the doubles game as Mahesh Bhupathi was unable to continue the match because of the groin injury sustained during the 3rd set. India was down 6-3, 3-6, 4-0, when Mahesh Bhupathi and Rohan Boppana conceded the match.

Somdev wins first Davis cup tie for India

Somdev won the first tie against South Africa's second seeded player Izak van der Merwe 7-6 (5), 6-3, 6-4. The first set was tight for both the player as it went for tie-break. Izak played powerful net and volley game and somdev was not able to break Izak's serve. Both the playerd held the serve. During the tie-break somdev cruised to 6-2 and Merwe double-faulted to gift somdev the first set.

Somdev to play for Davis Cup tie against South Africa

Somdev devvarman is going to spearhead the Indian challenge in singles against South Africa for the Davis Cup tie. The winner of the Davis cup tie will reach world group. Along with Somdev, Mahesh Bhupathi, Rohan Bopana, and upcoming sensation Yuki Bhambri will be playing for the tie. Leander Paes has pulled out of the tie because of shoulder/wrist injury.

Yuki Bhambri lost in the Junior US open 2009 against Chase Buchanan of USA in the quarterfinal. Yuki is currently ranked #1 in the Junior category.

Leander recently won US Open 2009 doubles championship along with his partner Lukas Doughly defeating Mahesh Bhupathi and his partner Mark Knowles of Bahamas.

Roger Federer Lost the US Open 2009 final match against 20 year old Del Potro of Argentina with the scoreline reading as 3-6, 7-6,4-6,7-6,6-2 in favor of Del Potro. Roger was just two points away from the championship in the fourth round, however he couldn't break the Del potro. Roger was not able to play at his best. He made 11 double faults and his first serve percentage were just 49%, which was major factor for his loss. Roger also lost the opportunity to be the first player since Bill Tilden of USA in 1920s to win the US open championship for the sixth time in a row.

Somdev ranking went up by 29 ranks after his stellar performance at US Open. Now he is ranked at #133.

Somdev's US OPEN 2009 Journey ends

Somdev crashed out of US Open 2009 losing to Philipp Kohlschreiber of Germany 6-3, 6-4, 0-6, 6-2. Though Kohlschreiber is ranked at #23, Somdev Dev Varman played competitive tennis and was able to snatch one set. Nevertheless, 2009 is quite successful year for Somdev.
The top guns Roger Federer, Nikolay Davydenko, Novak Djokovic, Robin Soderling, Tommy Haas, and Andy Roddick moved to 3rd round. Yesterday, top ranked India women's singles player Sania Mirza also bowed out. She lost against Flavia Pennetta(Ranked #10) of Italy with 6-0, 6-0. Sania is also competing in doubles event (both mixed and regular) in which she advanced to next level.Leander Paes and Mahesh Bhupathi advanced to 2nd round of US Open with their respective partners.

Somdev cruises into 2nd round of US OPEN 2009

Finally it seems Somdev is playing upto its potential. After qualifying for US OPEN Somdev reached 2nd round of US OPEN defeating Portugal's Fredrico Gil 6-3, 6-4, 6-3 in straight sets in 1 hour and 46 minute in the first round. Somdev will meet the winner of first round singles match between Philipp Kohlschreiber (Apt # 22) and Andrea Seppi. Top players Roger Federer, Serena Williams, Kim Clijesters, Nikolay Davydenko also reached to 2nd round. Sania Mirza, the lone Indian women singles enterant also reached to 2nd round defeating Olga Govortsova of Belarus 6-2, 3-6, 6-3.

check out the champion's story at

Somdev's Entry into US Open 2009

Somdev entered into US Open 2009 Men's Singles event by winning the final round of the qualifier. He defeated Jerzy Janowicz of Poland with 6-3, 6-2 play. This is the first time he has qualified for the singles event of any Grand Slam event . He is also the first Indian player since 2002 to enter in the Men's Singles event of any Grand Slam. 2009 is the breakthrough year for Somdev. At the beginning of the year, he became the first Indian player since Leander Paes to reach the final of the ATP Event (ATP Chennai) en route defeating top player like Carlos Moya of Spain and Ivo Karlovic of Croatia.
Later, he entered into doubles event of the Wimbledon with his South African partner Kevin Anderson and also reached to third round of Legg Masson Tennis Classic, Washington DC in the first week of August defeating Marin Cilic of Croatia (ATP #17). At Present Somdev is ranked at 162 up 2 position from the last week.

The other India players competing in US Open 2009 are Sania Mirza in Women's Singles Event, Leander Paes and Mahesh Bhupathi in Men's Double event with their respective partners.

Somdev's First Grand Slam

Somdev Devvarman recently qualified for Wimbledon 2009. This is his first Grand Slam and is going to play doubles along with his Australian partner Kevin Anderson. Somdev mentioned he wasn't happy with his singles performance and it would have been sweeter had he qualified for singles too, nevertheless he is happy to play in Wimbledon, which is considered as top most Grand Slam in tennis world. Somdev and his Australian partner are going to play against Mahesh Bhupathi and Mark Knowles in the first round.


Somdev is currently ranked at 129 in the world, which is highest singles ranking so far. In Doubles he is ranked at 357, which is also is his highest ranking so far.

Rise of a Star

As mentioned in the earlier article, Somdev will be among Top 100 ATP Tennis player and top Indian ranked player. He has already become top Indian player early this year (2009). His major achievements so far are:

Turned pro 2007

He has won 4 ITF Futures tournaments and 1 ATP Challengers. He has regularly beaten top 100 players. At Atp Chennai open (Chennai is incidentally his home town also) he won against Carlos Moya (Former ATP #1), Ivo Karlovic (ATP #25) and became runners up against Marin Cilic. Carlos Moya confirmed that he will soon be among top 100 ATP players.

Somdev is currently ranked at ATP # 155