CHENNAI: India’s chances of defeating Brazil in the Davis Cup World Group play-off tie, which begins this weekend, will depend on how Somdev Devvarman and Rohan Bopanna fare in the singles. It is assumed that Leander Paes and Mahesh Bhupathi with their experience should will their doubles match. The focus of the entire Indian camp is now on Somdev. Bopanna arrived from the US late on Sunday night and will train on Monday.
Somdev had a long training session on the outside courts of the SDAT Tennis stadium on Sunday. His coach Scott McCain, India’s non-playing captain SP Misra, noted coach Nandan Bal, put the Chennai-bred tennis sensation through the paces. Initially Somdev polished his strokes and serves with local lads R Ramkumar, VM Ranjeet, Vishnu Vardhan for an hour. After that for countering the Brazil’s No 1 and left-handed player Thomaz Bellucci, Somdev had a solo training session with Divij Sharan. Divij’s job was to send angled serves to Somdev as coach Scott polished Somdev’s double-handed backhand returns.
Somdev shared his thoughts on the tie in between the practice session. He was pleased to be back at his favourite hunting ground. “I had a fairly good season. I am happy to be in the top 100. We are confident of doing well against Brazil. Every match is important, not just the singles, even doubles,’’ said Somdev.
Captain SP Misra said competing in the US Open and week-long training in Chennai was preparation enough for the players. He believed that all the players were in the right frame of mind and Bopanna’s good show in the US Open augurs well for the squad. He believed that it would be a key contest.
Somdev, who earned a direct entry to Grand Slam (US Open) for the first time, felt it was important to have a good start in the against Brazil. “Playing two singles on the first day it is important to get a good start. Although I have not played Thomas before we as a team are confident of a good show. I would like to concentrate and improve on all aspects of my game,’’ said Somdev, adding that it was his idea of playing in the morning in hot conditions.