Somdev Devvarman through to French Open main draw

Somdev Devvarman defeated higher ranked American Wayne Odesnik 6-3 6-4 in the final qualification round to enter the main draw at Roland Garros. Somdev, playing against the world number 117, Odesnik, for the first time, had a tough challenge on his hands on a surface that the Indian does not favour much. The American had defeated German Cedric Stebe in the deciding set in the previous round, whereas Devvarman had defeated lower ranked Frenchman Quentin Halys in the last round.

Devvarman had a good start to the match as he broke Odesnik and was leading 4-3 when the heavens opened up, forcing a suspension in play. The suspension in play could not help Odesnik as Somdev held serve and then broke his opponent to take the first set 6-3.

The momentum of the first set helped Devvarman take a 3-0 lead. However, the gritty American clawed his way back into the set, levelling 3-3. Somdev then held serve and broke his opponent to take a 5-3 lead. But the American again broke the Indian ace to get back on serve. Although, in the end, Odesnik could not hold his serve in the tenth game, giving the Indian an entry into the main draw of the French Open.

This is Devvarman’s 3^rd French Open where he has not gone past the first round in his 2 previous attempts in 2010 and 2011.