US Open: Somdev into final round of qualifiers

Somdev Devvarman (File Photo)

India’s top ranked player Somdev Devvarman moved into the final round of the qualifying competition at the US Open. Seeded sixth, Devvarman won his first round against Fabiano de Paula of Brazil 6-4 6-3. In the second round, he met former world No.15 American Robby Ginepri. He won the match 7-6(4) 2-6 6-2.

Ginepri was a semifinalist at his home Grand Slam in 2005. Somdev’s next opponent would be Briton James Ward.

Somdev is making a comeback after nursing a serious shoulder injury. He entered the second round of both the Australian Open and the French Open earlier this year. He lost to Poland’s Jerzy Janowicz in a tough 5 setter at Melbourne. His run at the French Open came to an end in a second round match against Roger Federer.

He failed to qualify for the Wimbledon after falling in the very first round to Matt Reid 16-18 in the third set.

He is currently ranked No.113 in the world and would definitely benefit from a good showing at the US Open. He wants to break into the top 100 by the end of this season.

His best result at the Us Open was in 2009 when he made it to the second round. He would look to emulate that run or progress even further. A second round main draw win at this US Open could give the former world No.62 his best ever performance at a Grand Slam.