Thaindian News

New York, Aug 30 (IANS) Somdev Devvarman, who Saturday became the first Indian in seven years to qualify for the Grand Slam singles main draw, making to the US Open, hopes to become a regular feature in all the four Majors.
The 24-year-old India No.1, who narrowly failed to qualify for the Australian Open and then tried in vain to make the French Open and Wimbledon main draws this year. Los Angeles-born Prakash Amritraj was the last Indian to appear in a Grand Slam singles and that,too, came at the Flushing Meadows here in 2002.

In a rain-interrupted final qualifying match, Somdev defeated Poland’s Jerzy Janowicz 6-3, 6-2 to enter the main draw. He now plays 110th-ranked Frederico Gil of Portugal in the first round of the US Open, that begins Monday

“It feels great. I am happy that my hard work is paying off. I had prepared well for this tournament and I am happy to have achieved one of my targets for this season,” Somdev told IANS.

“It’s an important achievement in my career, yet it’s not the only thing. Of course, it’s a step in the right direction. Now that I have made to my first Grand Slam I hope to be a regular at all Grand Slams.”

The twice National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) champion has always enjoyed playing on the hardcourts in US. After a sensational start to his pro career when he entered the final at the Chennai Open in January, he entered third round at Legg Mason Classic in Washington and also qualified for the LA Open on the US hardcourt circuit.

Somdev’s maiden stint in Grand Slam was in Wimbledon this year where he made it to the main draw with South African partner and good friend Kevin Anderson, but lost to Mahesh Bhupathi and Mark Knowles in the first round.

Somdev has never played Gil, who is a month and 11 days younger to the 161st ranked Indian and says he preparing to give his best against the Portuguese.

“I have to get myself ready for the challenge ahead. You cannot take anyone lightly at any level, so I will do the best to prepare myself for this match,” Somdev said.

“My coaching staff will do their homework on him and then we will figure out a game plan. Then its upto me to go out and execute that plan.”

If the Indian clears the first round he might face World No. 23 Germany’s Philipp Kohlschreiber but he is not unduly worried and is taking one match at a time.

“I am only focussing on Frederico for now. If I get past him, its only then I will focus on my next opponent, “he said.