I want to work hard and get better with each match, says Somdev.
Somdev
Chennai: There is no doubt that Somdev Devvarman is India’s best hope at this year’s Chennai Open. Ranked 90 in the world, Somdev had missed out on direct qualification by a whisker as the cut-off for direct entry was 89. But the Indian would later gain access to the main draw after the pullout of Jurgen Zopp of Estonia.
Somdev considers himself lucky to make it to the main draw of the tournament in which he has had his share of highs. He went down to Croatia’s Marin Cilic in the 2009 final. “Yes, I have some excellent memories of 2009 and they would be motivating me this year. My primary goal would be to train well and win matches here,” Somdev said.
He knows the importance of starting on a high in the season’s first tournament. “I want to work hard and get better with each match,” he added.
Somdev’s achievement of ending the 2013 season at 90 is testament to his resilience. “Of course, it is a great feeling to be back in the top 100. My target for the next season is to break into the top 50 besides being consistent,” he said.
He was happy for his compatriots Yuki Bhambri and Jeevan Nedunchezhiyan on getting a wild card for the Chennai Open. “It is good that these deserving players have got wild cards. Playing in the main draw is always nice. I hope they can use the Chennai Open as a stepping stone to improve their rankings,” Somdev said. Just as any top sportsperson, the tennis star, too, attaches a lot of importance to his training and fitness.
“I make sure I put in enough hard work before every tournament. You have to work on the finer aspects of the game to making adjustments depending on the courts, the bounce, the balls and even the weather. I’m training hard keeping all these things in mind. I’m in good shape,” he said.
Chennai is not new for Somdev, He knows the city since he was eight years old and considers the Nungambakkam Stadium his home ground.
“Chennai is part of my life. I did my schooling here and I have a lot of friends in the city. I hope I would do well on the court to keep everyone, including myself, satisfied,” he said. Somdev has a simple task. If he betters his record in Chennai, he will be ecstatic.
Djokovic brought the best out of me, says Wawrinka
Djokovic brought the best out of me, says Wawrinka
DC CORRESPONDENT
CHENNAI: A customary visitor to Chennai Open, World No.8 Stanislas Wawrinka knows what it takes to achieve success in the season opener. After all, he has won the title here in 2011 and had finished runner-up the previous year. The 28-year-old, who had a fabulous year, will be the top seed when the 19th edition of the ATP Tour event begins on Monday.
Excerpts:
On his 2013 season where he had a dream run reaching the ATP World Tour Finals: If you look at my results at the Grand Slams in Melbourne, Paris and New York, 2013 was definitely an outstanding year. My matches against Novak in Melbourne and New York were two of the most spectacular encounters in 2013. They showed me how close I am to the top guys and that I have my chances against them. I’m proud of how I played those matches and even if I lost I learnt a lot.
On working with Magnus Norman, former World No.2: It all comes step by step. You can always improve your game. I’ve been talking to Magnus this year and believe that this year my confidence has grown and I have played well in big matches and performed very well against top 10 opponents. In New York and London I showed that I can do well against the very best on a big stage.
On the Fab Four — Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic, Roger Federer and Andy Murray: They are consistent. Rafa, Novak and Andy have all won at least one Grand Slam and played many finals, something that I’m still hoping to achieve one day. I’m confident going into 2014. Top players are extremely tough to beat and you need to play your best tennis. I’ve already beaten Novak and Andy so I know I can do it. Rafael has been the toughest opponent for me so far. However, if you work hard and keep fighting everything is possible.
On a tattoo — “Ever tried. Ever failed. No matter. Try again. Fail again. Fail better” — he has skinned on his left arm: There is only one player a week who goes home without losing. Even if you play a great event as I did in New York, you end up losing. The most important thing is what you learn from losing, how you improve and work afterwards.”
( Source : dc )
Next Story
