Somdev wants to put India on the ATP Tour map
Somdev's performance at the Chennai Open was not less than a revolution for the game in the country and now he wants Indian flag to flutter continuously on the ATP World Tour.
His coruscating performance at the Chennai Open was not less than a revolution for the game in the country and now Somdev Devvarman wants Indian flag to flutter continuously on the ATP World Tour.
With his lean frame and average height, he cut down the strapping big-wigs of the game to size, literally, en route to his maiden ATP final.
The new tennis sensation avers that he has the 'heart' to do more 'damage' on the ATP Tour.
"I'd surely like to be a permanent fixture on the ATP tour and do some damage and make a name. I'd definitely like to put India on the singles map on the tour," he told PTI from Melbourne, where he is playing qualifiers for the Australian Open.
In an extraordinary show in the season opener, Somdev with sheer grit and never-say-die attitude, introduced to former world number one Carlos Moya and 6 feet 10 inches Croat Ivo Karlovic a new brand of Indian tennis.
On being asked, if he feels, had he been a little taller (at present 5'11) he could have been more destructive and challenge the Tour's elite in a better way, he responded with a stunner.
"Well I'm not going to grow any taller (laughs) but I am constantly working on becoming stronger. I don't think you can only be successful if you're over 6ft 4 inches tall.
"You just don't need height, you need a heart, which I have plenty of. You have to be physically strong and be able to take the challenges head on," he said.
The two-time US collegiate champion did not show even an iota of fear on his face when he was dealing with the fire, coming from across the court from the racquets of Moya and Karlovic.