Most successful Indian Davis Cupper - Leander Paes - representing the country for two decades opts out of the team because of injury. Paes-Bhupati, one of the world's top doubles teams is not appearing. Bhupati unable to complete his match because of injury. But still Indian team makes it to the world group after a gap of eleven years. That's thanks to the new star rising on Indian Tennis horizon - Somdev Devwarman!
The scene was very bleak exactly a year ago when Indian team lost badly to Romania in the play-off tie and it looked as if India's re-entry in World Group may not be possible in near future. Things went from bad to worse. Advancing age of Paes and Bhupati added to their advancing rift, which led to player revolt resulting in none too impressive performances of the team in preliminary rounds. Suddenly things started to change. Somdev's improved performance on ATP curcuit, Yuki Bhambri's consistency in Junior tournaments gave the Indian fans a ray of hope. Then came a stroke of luck. Australia decided to boycott the zonal semifinal against India which enabled India the right to contest the play-off.
India's convincing 4-1 win over South Africa is significant in many ways. First of course is the arrival of Somdev. India always had players who relished Davis Cup environment. Dramatic fightback by Somdev in the return singles is surely going to be talked of in the years to come. His performance was on the backdrop of his spirited fight in second round of US open earlier this month against a top-twenty player.
India also seems to have found the answer to the haunting question : Who after Leander? Leander's contribution to India's Davis cup campaign is that he was a successful singles players too. In Rohan Bopanna, we now have a good singles player who is good enough in doubles. Plus ther's a promising Yuki Bhambri.
India's journey in the World group is definitely going to be very tough. But this outfit is definitely capable of throwing another surprise. The responsibility is on young shoulders of Somdev. India till now knew of two Devwarmans from Tripura - the legendery father - son duo of Sachin and Rahul Devwarman. Hailing from the same Royal Family, Somdev has certainly done his home state proud.
The scene was very bleak exactly a year ago when Indian team lost badly to Romania in the play-off tie and it looked as if India's re-entry in World Group may not be possible in near future. Things went from bad to worse. Advancing age of Paes and Bhupati added to their advancing rift, which led to player revolt resulting in none too impressive performances of the team in preliminary rounds. Suddenly things started to change. Somdev's improved performance on ATP curcuit, Yuki Bhambri's consistency in Junior tournaments gave the Indian fans a ray of hope. Then came a stroke of luck. Australia decided to boycott the zonal semifinal against India which enabled India the right to contest the play-off.
India's convincing 4-1 win over South Africa is significant in many ways. First of course is the arrival of Somdev. India always had players who relished Davis Cup environment. Dramatic fightback by Somdev in the return singles is surely going to be talked of in the years to come. His performance was on the backdrop of his spirited fight in second round of US open earlier this month against a top-twenty player.
India also seems to have found the answer to the haunting question : Who after Leander? Leander's contribution to India's Davis cup campaign is that he was a successful singles players too. In Rohan Bopanna, we now have a good singles player who is good enough in doubles. Plus ther's a promising Yuki Bhambri.
India's journey in the World group is definitely going to be very tough. But this outfit is definitely capable of throwing another surprise. The responsibility is on young shoulders of Somdev. India till now knew of two Devwarmans from Tripura - the legendery father - son duo of Sachin and Rahul Devwarman. Hailing from the same Royal Family, Somdev has certainly done his home state proud.
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