Somdev Devvarman goes down fighting to Nadal

Indian qualifier Somdev Devvarman’s dream run ended at Indian Wells ATP tournament with a hard fought 7-5 6-4 loss to World No.1 Rafa Nadal in the fourth round here Wednesday.

Devvarman, who has admired the Spaniard, put up a plucky display against Nadal, especially in the opening set, that saw him getting all the adulations.

The Indian world number 84, who is based in Texas, broke the Spaniard in the first game of the match and forced two break points in the 11th before losing the first set in just over an hour.

Nadal began poorly by his usual standards but raised his game in the second before sealing victory in the decisive 10th game where he broke Devvarman’s serve with a sublime forehand pass.

“After the first couple of games, I felt normal … like I was just out there playing a match,” said Somdev, who won the Commonwealth Games gold last year.

“I didn’t think about who I was facing. I started out well, too, so I felt very comfortable on the court. I was excited to play and the best part is I had played good tennis leading into this match. It was a great experience to play the number one player in the world in one
of the biggest stadiums in the world.”