Somdev Devvarman returns to ATP action in Vienna this week

India’s former top ranked player Somdev Devvarman will make a return to the ATP tour this week at the Erste Bank Open in Vienna. The 27 year old Indian has dropped from the top 70 of the world rankings to his current position of no. 534 after undergoing shoulder surgery in January. Devvarman has played five events since his comeback, losing in the first round each time.

Devvarman will meet wild card entrant Ernests Gubis in the first round. This will be the second career meeting between the two, with Gulbis having won their previous encounter in 2009 in straight sets. 24 year old Gulbis is ranked no. 155 in the world currently, although he has been ranked as high as no. 21 last February. Gulbis, who owns one of the more explosive games on the tour, has struggled in 2012 with a 16-17 record.

Devvarman has used his protected ranking to get into the main draw at Vienna. Players who are out due to injury for six months can use their protected ranking for upto 9 events or 9 months from the time of their comeback. Devvarman will likely be able to use his protected ranking to get into the main draws of the ATP Chennai Open and the Australian Open in January.