Saturday, January 8, 2011

Somdev gets wild card for Australian Open

Somdev Devvarman has been awarded a important wild card into the men's singles main draw of the Australian Open to be held in Melbourne from January 17 to 30.According to Tennis Australia, the Indian has been given a wild card in recognition of his performances in 2010. He first insolvent into the top 100 and then won singles gold medals at the Commonwealth Games in New Delhi and then the Asian Games in Guangzhou against quality opposition.

Tennis Australia started giving one wild card each in men's and women's singles seven years ago. Anil Khanna, president of the Asian Tennis Federation said: " I am very happy Somdev has got the wild card. He richly deserves it." Somdev was happy about the good news. " I am keen to make compensation for my presentation in the Chennai Open," he told reporters.To be sure this is a break which has come in time for Somdev. After the highs of 2010, he began badly at the Chennai Open when he lost in the first round. Somdev did try to play down the loss but it's no secret that losing at a venue which he loves was hard to digest.

Everyone knows how hard it is to qualify for a Grand Slam and Somdev can now focus on his preparations. As one who puts in hours in training, Somdev needs to use this chance well.Some of his former coaches in Chennai who worked with him six years ago, say that Somdev should not stand three feet behind the baseline and hope to win points. But the bigger issue is one cannot run down Somdev for one first round exit at the Chennai Open. He is aware this is a big year for him as staying in the top 100 will be top precedence.

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