Washington: Somdev Devverman's dream run came
to an end with a 5-7, 1-6 loss against the towering Ivo
Karlovic of Croatia in the singles third round of the USD 1.4
million Legg Mason Tennis Classic here.
Somdev, who is India's top-ranked singles tennis player,
put up a brave face against Karlovic by holding his serves in
the first set but failed to keep the momentum going as he was
broken in the last game to concede the lead at the hardcourt
ATP event last night.
Somdev, who hit 70 per cent of his first serves, was also
broken twice in the second set.
The 33-ranked Karlovic, who leads the number of aces on
ATP Tour this season, fired overall 14 aces -- 11 in the first
set -- and had 63 per cent accuracy in his first serves
against the Indian qualifier.
"It's really hard to break his serve when he is serving
that well," said Somdev.
"I was doing well and then he got the break. Momentum
went his way after that," he added.
Somdev, who carved out "the biggest win" of his career by
defeating sixth seed and World number 15 Croatian Marin Cilic
in straight sets in the previous round, did not seem to be
disappointed at his prequarterfinal loss though.
"I feel like the summer started on the right note," said
the Indian who jumps about 10 spots in the ATP rankings to be
143rd.
Karlovic will now meet top seed and World number 5 Andy
Roddick in the quarterfinals after beating compatriot Sam
Querrey 7-6 (7/4), 6-4.
Roddick, who won his 500th match yesterday, seeks a 29th
career crown.
Bureau Report
First Published: Friday, August 07, 2009, 10:46