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.