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