They say man writes his own destiny. India’s Somdev Devvarman did exactly that on Sunday.
He decimated world number 59 Yen-Hsun Lu 6-1, 6-2, 6-3 to seal the tie against Chinese Taipei in the Davis Cup Asia Oceania Group I second round tie. This was one of the finest wins for any Indian playing away from home. Lu is a formidable opponent and the way Somdev dismantled his game was a delight to watch.
The tie ended 3-2 in India’s favour as the 18-year-old Tsung-Hua Yang won a consolation point for the home team. He beat Rohan Bopanna 4-6, 7-6, 6-7 in the dead fifth rubber. This week has been a coming of age for Somdev. He may not have had the best starts to his Davis Cup career but on Sunday he proved he is the main man of Indian tennis.
The Indian team has done the same things everyday this entire week. They ate dinner at the same Thai restaurant, sat on the same chairs and even ate pretty much the same food.
The way this group bonded this week was a major factor in helping Somdev perform the way he did. Somdev thrives on team spirit and camaraderie and the way everyone got behind him and each other really helped him.
Coming into this match, Lu was already under pressure as this was a must-win match for him.
{{/usCountry}}Coming into this match, Lu was already under pressure as this was a must-win match for him.
{{/usCountry}}Somdev went up an early break and that made the task even tougher for Lu. From then on he just kept playing catch up to a determined Somdev.
India next face Australia at home in May.