Somdev’s run over in US Challenger tournament

Somdev Devvarman crashed out of the US Challengers tournament in straight sets. (FILE PHOTO)

Indian tennis star Somdev Devvarman faced a straight set defeat from the home boy and eighth seeded Denis Kudla in the quarter-final of USD 75,000 ATP Challenger tournament in United States.

Somdev, who looked good and seems to be coming out of his recent down time in the initial two games of the tournament, wasn’t able to match Denis and lost in the straight sets 2-6, 0-6. It was the comfortable victory for 162^nd ATP ranked player against Somdev, who is currently ranked 733 in the ATP rankings.

Somdev had a rough year before this tournament as he missed the first half of the year due to the shoulder injury which cost him the chance of not only playing in Chennai Open, but also in this year’s grand slams tournaments.

Somdev made a comeback to the competitive tennis in London 2012, but crashed out in the first round of the tournament. The later part of the season was also not a joyful journey for the Arjuna Award winner as he lost six first round matches, before making into the quarter-final of US ATP Challenger tournament.

Somdev is currently ranked the lowest in his career, but the valuable points earned by him in this tournament will help him in moving up the ranking list. Somdev Devvarman won 17 ranking points and earned $2190, which increased his 2012 earnings to $31,821.

Somdev, a wild card entry for this tournament, was relived after making way to the quarter-finals and on twitter he said, “tough one today but glad to get through to the next one. Another tough opponent tomorrow. Looking forward to a good match.”

Let’s hope Somdev keeps the momentum going from the US Challenger tournament and performs well in the upcoming tournaments.