E-Paper
Somdev, Sania and Yuki make 2009 memorable for India
Somdev Devvarman was the main protagonist in a stunning tale of success as Indian tennis savoured some great and rare moments in 2009, a year which promised to change the face of the game in the country.
Somdev Devvarman was the main protagonist in a stunning tale of success as Indian tennis savoured some great and rare moments in 2009, a year which promised to change the face of the game in the country.
From junior stage to the highest level of the game, India had its moments of ecstasy and exultation as as Somdev, Sania Mirza, Leander Paes, Mahesh Bhupathi and teenager Yuki Bhambri all contributed to the success story.
Somdev gave India a new identity on the Tour by excelling in singles and old warhorses Paes and Bhupathi proved they are still a force to reckon with in doubles by winning three more Grand Slams.
Sania Mirza continued adding firsts to her name as she became India's first female tennis player to win a Grand Slam title when she triumphed at the Australian Open along with compatriot Bhupathi in the mixed doubles event in January.
From a junior Grand Slam title to a berth in the Davis Cup World Group, achievements were recorded throughout the year, bringing a lot of relief for the game in India.
And it all started with the sensational arrival of Somdev on the big stage in the first month of the year when the US Collegiate champion created ripples by reaching the final of the Chennai Open, India's only ATP event.
