Somdev to take on Kevin Anderson in US Open 1st round

New York: Somdev Devvarman has drawn in-form South African Davis Cupper Kevin Anderson as his first-round

opponent in the men`s singles event of the US Open here. Somdev, courtesy his improved ranking, got a direct entry into the hard court Grand Slam, which is the last of the season. Both Somdev and Anderson, ranked 22 places better than the Indian at 77, are in good touch and theirs would be a tight battle for a spot in the second round of the men`s singles. Anderson had beaten world number 21 American Sam Querry at the Toronto Masters early this month where he lost to Rafael Nadal in the pre-quarterfinals. Somdev had also entered the Toronto Masters as a qualifier and lost to World number 18 French Gael Monfils in the first round. Before that he made the pre-quarterfinals of the ATP 250 event in Los Angeles as a qualifier and semifinal of a Challenger event in the US. Whoever wins the opening round will be up against the winner of the other first round match between American Tim Smyczek and 26th seed Brazilian Thomaz Bellucci. PTI