India might have swallowed a crushing 1-4 defeat against Romania in the Davis Cup play-off tie but coach Nandan Bal asserts that the team did not come back empty handed as it has found a future star in Somdev Devvarman.
Somdev, who is currently playing an ATP Challenger tournament in Romania, had squandered a winnable position in his second singles against Victor Crivoi but did trouble the higher-ranked player and impressed with his game.
"In Somdev we have found a player who is hard working and keen learner. He is very good. Let him play 2-3 more Davis Cup ties and you will see him producing results," Bal told PTI in an interview.
"He just lacked experience (in the dead rubber) to put away a tie. But he is ready to learn and I am sure he will win many ties for India in future," he added.
Speaking about the second reverse singles, which Somdev lost after leading 5-4 in the second set, Bal said Crivoi curbed his unforced errors amazingly and clinched victory from the jaws of defeat.
"Apart from a double fault, Somdev also committed a foot fault. This is something he has to learn. He suddenly held back. Crivoi on the other hand played an aggressive game. The guy did not make any mistake.
{{/usCountry}}"Apart from a double fault, Somdev also committed a foot fault. This is something he has to learn. He suddenly held back. Crivoi on the other hand played an aggressive game. The guy did not make any mistake.
{{/usCountry}}"Somdev started playing safe.... Ultra-defense.. In hope that Crivoi will make some mistakes but the Romania player did not give Somdev any such chance. He raised his game," he said.