Somdev uncovered by ATP, targets top 50 by year end

Devvarman, the World  ATP # 108 ranked and top Indian Men's Singles player was interview by ATP. Associations of Tennis Professional, known as the ATP,  is the  professional body of Men's Tennis and conducts the management of the Tennis world wide. Check the following video where Somdev talks how he came to tennis world, the college tennis, playing for India, his inspiration and his future goals. 

Devvarman out of French Open 2010

Somdev Devvarman lost in the first round of the French Open 2010 against Marco Chiudinelli of Switzerland. The match lasted almost 4 hours ( precisely 3 hour 48 minutes) and was decided in the fifth set. Marco Chiudinelli (ATP # 162), whom Somdev beat earlier at Dubai open won the match with 6-3, 3-6, 6-3, 3-6, 6-3 scoreline. Nonetheless, Devvarman gave solid fight till the fifth set and may have won had he kept the momentum going in the fifth set. Both the player had first serve winning percentage above 70 %, however Somdev was able to convert only 3 of the 13 breakpoints he got. Marco did better job in break point conversion, 4 out of 7. Presumably that cost dearly to Somdev. 

Though, Somdev had hit  more aces 13 to Marco's 7, his winners were 37 to Marco's 50. On other parameters both the players had similar game. The breakpoints conversion cost Somdev dearly. Thus, India's representation to Singles event at French Open  2010 in the absence of Sania Mirza ended in the first round itself. Though Somdev's ranking will jump and he may cross the 100 threshold, It's not enough for Somdev and Indian Tennis. The shorter shelf life of Singles Tennis player doesn't give Somdev so many years and opportunities and he should not missed such opportunities to better his career.

Nonetheless, Kudos to Somdev for fighting till the five sets.

Roger Federer and Rafeal Nadal starts their French Open rounds tomorrow.

Somdev qualifies for 2010 French Open Main draw

Devvarman, the numero uno Indian tennis sensation qualifies for 2010 FRENCH OPEN Grand Slam tournament. India will be represented in Men's Singles event first time since Leander Paes represented in 1997. Somdev will be participating in his 2nd Grand Slam event, the first one being the US OPEN in 2009 where he reached to 2nd round.Somdev currently ranked at ATP # 109, which is his highest career ranking so far, defeated Frenchman Adrian Mannarino in straight sets 6-4, 6-1. Somdev was rusty in the first set, Mannarino took advantage of Somdev's erratic play and broke first before Somdev level the play and was able to break at 3-3 to take the lead. Both the players won 38 points, but the Indians better server percentage (68%) made the difference. The 2nd set was cake walk for Devvarman as he broke Mannarino thrice and won the set 6-1.

Somdev's good performance at the qualifier will help him gain some valuable points to raise his ranking further up.

Somdev narrowly misses the biggest upset of his career, lost to Lleyton Hewitt

The no.1 Indian played excellent tennis in the second round against former ATP #1 and 2004 US OPEN Champion Lleyton Hewitt at ATP World Tour 250 at Houston, TX. Somdev was close to winning the match when he served for 6-5 match point in the 3rd set. The Australian no.1 player who recently underwent hip surgery held is nerve and drew his vast experience to pull out from the position and pushed the set into tie-breaker. Hewitt closed the tie-breaker with 7-2 win in the 3rd. Somdev won the first set with 6-1 score breaking Hewitt twice. It was thought that Somdev would easily beat the former US Open Champion as he doesn't seem fully fit post his hip surgery and was not at his best.

The 2nd set was complete white wash for Somdev as he was unable to held his serve and Hewitt won the set 6-0. However, The two time NCAA Singles champion came back hard in the 3rd set and gave tough Competition to Hewitt. At one point, Somdev just one serve (or one ACE) away from winning the match and thus creating the biggest upset of his career so far. Somdev entered at the US Men's Clay Court Open as Lucky Loser and won the first match against Irish qualifier NILAND, Conor in straight sets 6-4, 6-2.  Nonetheless, his second round appearance has provided good practice for the upcoming clay season, also he it will earn him 20 points and help scale the ranking chart.

Somdev Vs. Hewitt : 6-1, 0-6,-6-7(2-7)

The main Article

Grueling tour taxing Somdev physically, out of Indian Wells ATP 1000

The no.1 Indian Tennis player lost in qualifying round of the ATP 1000 tournament at Indian Wells, USA. Somdev (ATP # 121)  was seeded 9th for the event, he won the first round against  Alex, Kuznetsov of USA in three sets 6-4,3-6,6-0. He lost in straight sets 6-3, 6-1 in 2nd round against 14th seed Stefan Koubek (ATP # 132) of Austria. After the match, Somdev tweeted "He never felt this awful before ... physically". It seems the toughness of the tour is affecting Somdev's game and physical fitness. Earlier in the Davis Cup, Somdev lost his reverse single against ATP # 13 ranked Mikhail Youzhny in straight sets. Somdev mentioned in his tweets,  he need lot of improvement. The coach of Indian Davis Cup team commented he needs to add more arsenal to compete against top player, only baseline game is not enough. Somdev needs multi pronged strategy to improve his game and physical fitness. Furthermore, if the tour is taxing him lot physically, he should reduce his number of tournament and concentrated on few. We, his fan base hope he overcome this hurdle and achieve greater heights in his career and also help lift Indian tennis. The road ahead is tough and challenging but not impossible. 

Meanwhile, Som is waiting for lucky loser spot at Indian Well ATP.

Good Luck Som

Davis Cup: Somdev losses against Igor Kunitsyn, India down 2-0

India is playing against Russia in Moscow for the Davis Cup World Group finals event. Indian team includes Somdev Devvarman (ATP # 128), Rohan Boppana (ATP # 416), Sanam Singh, and the perennial doubles pair of Leaner Paes and Mahesh Bhupathi. The first tie was supposed be contested between Indian #1 ranked Somdev and Igor Andreev (ATP # 38), however knee injury on Thursday ruled out Igor Andreev for the tie. Somdev played against ATP # 107 Igor Kunitsyn for the first tie and had good chance of getting first point for India. Initially he started well and won the first set 7-6 and was leading in the 2^nd set with 5-2 margin before Kunitsyn bounced back and leveled it by winning 7-6. Igor didn’t look back after that and won two consecutive sets 6-3, 6-4 and sealed the first tie for Russia. Somdev had good chance of putting India into lead in the absence of Andreev; however, Somdev was not able to take advantage of his chances. Rohan Boppana lost against Mikhail Youzhny in straight sets 6-4, 6-2, 6-3. The next tie is doubles and India is favorite for the doubles as Leander and Mahesh are one of the top doubles pair in the world. However, trailing with 2-0, India's chances are almost nil unless some miracle happens. To win against Russia, India needs to win all the 3 remaining matches, which is highly unlikely. Russia was hot favorite against India, however, Indians had good opportunity as both Nikolay Davydenko and Igor Andreev pulled out because of the Injuries.

Somdev stuns Chiudinelli enters 2nd round : Dubai Open

The Indian tennis ace Somdev defeated ATP 52 ranked M. Chiudinelli of Switzerland in the first round of Dubai Open 2010. Devvarman played impressive tennis and won the match in straight sets 6-4,7-5 in just 80 minutes. The Indian ace won 76% of the service points and played some impressive ground strokes. Somdev entered the tournament as qualifier and had played two games before the first round, the qualifying round provided good practice for the main draw. In 2nd round Somdev meets a ex top 10 ranked and 2006 Australian open runners-up Marcos Baghdatis of Cyprus. Baghdatis is back after the long spell due to injury and is playing excellent tennis. Somdev needs to play is best tennis to win against the Cyprot who defeated 8th seed Simon Giles of France

Mahesh Bhupathi and his partner Max Mirnyi of Belarus and Leander Paes and Lukas Dlouhly reached to quarter-final at Dubai Open in doubles. Indo-Pak pair of Rohan Boppana and Aisam-Ul-Haq Qureshi will play against Paes and Dlouhly if they win in pre-quarterfinal stage. 

After Dubai Open, Somdev will play in Davis Cup for India at Moscow against Russia.

Somdev exits from Australian Open 2010 Qualifier

Somdev, the top ranked Indian tennis player lost in the third and final round of the Australian Open qualifier. He lost against Slovenia's Blaz Kavcic (ATP # 126), who was seeded 12th in the event in two straight sets 3-6, 6-7. Somdev was seeded 27 and is currently ranked at 161. Earlier Somdev defeated Tobias Kamke of Germany with 2-6,6-1,8-6 in three sets in round 2 and James Duckworth of Australia in round one with 6-1,6-2 score.

Other Indian tennis players Prakash Amritraj and Yuki Bhambri also lost thus ending Indian challenge in the men singles event. Prakash lost in round 2 and Yuki lost in the first round. Somdev's Compatriot whom Somdev defeated in the NCAA finals (US Collegiate event) has risen to ATP # 38 rank and will be competing for the ATP title at Auckland. Isner has shown consistency in his game, which Somdev seems to be lacking. Somdev needs to consistently beat top ranked player to be among the top 50 players.

Somdev Ready to Rock 2010 with Chennai Open

Devvarman, known as Bujji by his friends, will begin 2010 season with Chennai ATP Open. He is defending runners-up for Chennai ATP Open. Last Year he lost against Marian Cilic in the final before defeating top ranked players like Carlos Moya and Ivo Karlovic. 2009 was good year for Somdev, he qualified for US Open and reached to 2nd Round. His Ranking rose to 126 and with his solid efforts India reached to Davis Cup finals Group after 11 years of break.

Somdev got Wild Card for Chennai Open and will be playing against Rainer Schuettler in the first round. The Other Indian players participating in the tournaments are Rohan Bopana (Wild Card), Mahesh Bhupathi, Leander Paes and any other Qualifiers who succeed in the Qualifying tournament.






ATP Chennai Open Draw link

Top Ranked  at 2010 ATP Chennai Open

1) Robin Soderling (SWE),  2) Marian Cilic (CRO),  3) Stanislas Wawrinka (SUI)


4)  Janko Tipsarevic (SRB) , 5) Dudi Sela (ISR),  6) Simon Gruel (GER)


7) Michael Berrer (GER), 8) Rajeev Ram (USA)

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 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 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 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 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.