Drop in ranking prompted Indian player to skip the continental event
Divij Sharan (Photo courtesy: Facebook)
New Delhi: Divij Sharan will replace the country’s top singles player, Somdev Devvarman, in the tennis squad for the Asian Games in Incheon, South Korea. Somdev, who has been struggling since winning the Delhi Open in February, has dropped to 143rd in the singles rankings, which prompted him to skip the continental event. The Agartala-born lad, however, will lead India’s challenge in the Davis Cup World Group play-off tie to be held from September 12 to 14 in Bengaluru.
Delhi lad Sharan, meanwhile, was excited at the prospect of playing at the continental extravaganza. “I’m really excited to have made the team. I have represented India in the Davis Cup before but it will be my first time representing India at an event like this where other sports are also involved,” the 28-year-old told this paper from Shanghai, where he is playing in an ATP Challenger tournament.
Sharan, who will make his debut at the quadrennial event, does not feel any pressure after being included in the “last minute”. “I have played quite a few ATP tour events and all the four Grand Slams the last one year which has given me a lot of confidence and skill to handle pressure,” he added. “I am happy with the way I am playing and I look forward to giving my best at Incheon.”
Somdev, who is also playing at the same ATP event with Divij, said he had informed the All India Tennis Association about his decision before hand but the national federation had still included him in the squad. “I told the AITA about my decision around Wimbledon and still they went ahead and picked me anyway. I don’t really know what they are trying to get at.” Somdev said.
Somdev defended his decision to skip the mega event. “Playing for the country takes a lot out of you emotionally. I haven’t had a great season so far and have been dealing with a few injuries which have been unfortunate. So playing and travelling mid season is far from ideal.”
Next Story
