India should be proud of Somdev: S P Misra

New Delhi: Lavishing praise on Somdev Devvarman for breaking a seven-year jinx by making the main draw of the US Open men’s singles event, former Davis Cuppers today said the youngster has it in him to scale greater heights.

Somdev last night outplayed Poland’s Jerzy Janowicz in the qualifying final round to make the US Open men’s singles main draw. Misra, the non-playing skipper of the Davis Cup team, said Somdev’s success is good news for Indian tennis and praised his dedication.“This is an achievement. It was long overdue and high time that he got into the main draw. The boy is very dedicated and I expect him to do well,” Misra told reporters. “It’s really heartening. This is the first major break for him and India should be proud of him.” Misra does not believe fatigue would be a factor when Somdev, who has already played three matches, takes to the court for his main draw match tomorrow night. “Tiredness?...Absolutely not. The guy is super-fit. As far as fitness is concerned, he can handle it calmly. There won’t be any problem,” he said. Somdev will play his first match against 110 ranked Fredrico Gil of Portugal and if he clears first hurdle he may run into 22nd seed Philipp Kohlschreiber, who is world number 24. Talking about the draw, Misra was confident about Somdev’s progress. “He has got a good draw. And I am not worried about the rankings. He has beaten world’s top players and he has a realistic chance to go far in this tournement. I expect him to perform,” Misra said. Former Davis Cup captain Akhtar Ali also praised Somdev and said playing three matches before the main draw would be an advantage for Somdev. “This is really good for the country. He has got a good draw because he is not playing any seeded player in the first round,” Ali told reporters.“He is fast on the court and is a counter-attacker. He plays modern tennis and has improved his serve as well. Let’s see what he does now,” he said. Jaideep Mukherjea, who is heading the training programme for Commonwealth Games, also heaped praise on Somdev. “He has played well and I am very happy for him. Last time somebody represented India on his own effort was Leander Paes. So this is an achievement,” he said. Both Misra and Ali were confident that India can get back to Davis Cup World Group as Somdev is in good form. “It has happened just at the right time. I am sure Somdev will now do well in the Davis Cup tie against South Africa as well,” Misra said. “I expect Somdev to win both of his singles against South Africa. This is the best chance to get back to World Group now,” Ali said. Bureau Report