There is more pressure in playing for India: Somdev

In the limelight after steering India to the Davis Cup World Group stage after 11 years, a relaxed Somdev Devvarman said there is always more pressure on a tennis player when it comes to representing the country at the world team event.

In the limelight after steering India to the Davis Cup World Group stage after 11 years, a relaxed Somdev Devvarman on Monday said there is always more pressure on a tennis player when it comes to representing the country at the world team event.

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Somdev last night became toast of the nation when he pulled off a sensational comeback win in the play-off tie against South Africa. He overcame a two-set deficit to beat Rik de Voest 3-6 6-7(3) 7-6(5) 6-2 6-4 to give India an unassailable 3-1 lead.

"I did well to fight back. I stayed focused and got motivation from the team. I knew the match was getting physical. I was creating opportunities but I was missing them. It's a Davis Cup match, you are playing for country and you feel more pressure," Somdev said in a press-meet after returning here from South Africa today.

"It was a tough match, I was really trying hard but Rik was playing well. I have practiced a lot with him and knew his game well," he said.

Somdev also said flying early to South Africa helped him a lot as it gave him enough time to acclimatising with the conditions.

"It was an important tie. The courts were fast and balls were coming quick, so going there early helped me immensely. It was great to peak on Saturday and Sunday and a lot of credit goes to the team as well," he said.