Somdev hopes for winning start against Brazil
If one thing has stood out in Somdev Devvarman’s two-year-old pro career, it is his ability to play under pressure. He will be yet again the pivot around which the Indian Davis Cup team will revolve when they take on Brazil in the World Group play-off in Chennai this weekend.
If one thing has stood out in Somdev Devvarman’s two-year-old pro career, it is his ability to play under pressure. From a poster boy of Indian tennis to shouldering the country’s Davis Cup campaign, the 25-year-old has done enough to be feared by opponents.
He will be yet again the pivot around which the Indian Davis Cup team will revolve when they take on Brazil in the World Group play-off in Chennai this weekend.
He now faces a similar challenge at home and said he wants to give India a winning start in the opening day’s play.
The task, however, won’t be easy for Somdev, ranked 113, will be up against the top international players in Brazil’s Thomaz Bellucci (World No. 27) and Ricardo Mello.
“I think it’s a 50-50 tie right now. They definitely have some very solid players and we’ll have to play very well to win. It’s going to be hot in Chennai, so I hope it helps us more than it helps them,” said Somdev.
Mirza beats 3rd-seeded Amanmuradova
GUANGZHOU: Sania Mirza of India ousted third-seeded Akgul Amanmuradova of Uzbekistan 6-4, 6-3 Wednesday in a day of upsets in the second round of the Guangzhou International. Alla Kudryavtseva of Russia also advanced, beating compatriot Ekaterina Ivanova 6-4, 3-6, 6-2.