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)