Somdev puts one step in US Open singles main draw

New York: Somdev Devvarman is on the verge of qualifying for the singles main draw of the US Open as the Indian requires just three more points to clinch the final round against Poland’s Jerzy Janowicz.

India’s numero uno singles player Somdev was leading 6-3, 5-2 against his rival in the third round match when rain forced suspension of the play at Flushing Meadows here last night. He is serving for the match with scores level 15-15.Somdev will become the first Indian in seven years to figure in the singles event of a Grand Slam tournament if he wins the match. Prakash Amritraj was the last player, who represented India in a Grand Slam when he played in US Open in 2002. Somdev broke Jerzy once and saved a breakpoint to clinch the first set. Then he converted two more chances in the second set to get closer to a memorable win. Somdev had failed in all three attempts before this year to book a berth in singles competition of a Grand Slam event. Bureau Report