Rafa ends Somdev's dream run

Indian qualifier Somdev Devvarman ended a dream run at the Indian Wells ATP tournament on Wednesday on a high, despite losing 7-5, 6-4 to world number one Rafa Nadal in the fourth round. Figure this

Indian qualifier Somdev Devvarman ended a dream run at the Indian Wells ATP tournament on Wednesday on a high, despite losing 7-5, 6-4 to world number one Rafa Nadal in the fourth round.

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Devvarman has long admired the Spanish left-hander and he endeared himself to the evening crowd at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden with a plucky display against Nadal, especially in the opening set.

"After the first couple of games, I felt normal ... like I was just out there playing a match," the 26-year-old from Assam told reporters after becoming the first Indian to reach the fourth round of the elite ATP Masters 1000 event.

"I didn't think about who I was facing. I started out well, too, so I felt very comfortable on the court."

In other matches, Australian Open champion Novak Djokovic reached the quarter-finals without dropping a set while eighth-seeded Andy Roddick was ousted. Andy Roddick was also eliminated by Frenchman Richard Gasquet, who beat him in straight sets.