Will Somdev Devvarman be lord?-Sep 23, 2010,

Will Somdev Devvarman be lord?

Ruhi Batra, TNN, Sep 23, 2010, 11.44pm IST

Somdev Devvarman has played in grand stadiums and big events, with better competition. If this was an event on the ATP tour, he would probably just flick over the entry list, crumple up the paper and shoot it into the waste-paper basket.

But this isn't just another competition. It's the Commonwealth Games, in New Delhi where tennis has been included for the first time.

Having just helped India experience a Davis Cup high with an incredible come-from-behind win over Brazil in Chennai, this will be the first time that Somdev will represent the country in a multi-discipline sporting extravaganza. And excited he is.

"It's always something special when you have a chance to represent your country, especially at home. So this is a huge opportunity for me. When I'm out there on the court, it'll mean a lot more to get a win for the country," he explains.

The only player to reach three successive NCAA singles final - he won two of them - Somdev had shown early promise, highlighted by his tenacity and team spirit while in college at the University of Virginia. As a mark of gratitude, the university retired Somdev's jersey in 2009. When he stepped out to compete professionally on the ATP Tour in 2008, he made rapid strides, ending the year at 204 after having begun at 1033.

Not afraid to sweat buckets on the court or in the gym, fitness has been his biggest ally in overcoming bigger and higher-ranked opponents. His magical run at the ATP Chennai Open in 2009, where he reached the final, losing to Marin Cilic, was just the shot in the arm that Indian tennis needed, especially after Sania Mirza's decline.

Blessed with an attitude that has seen him stay grounded, Somdev is one of the main reasons behind India's return to Davis Cup's elite World Group after a hiatus of seven years. In fact, his match against South Africa's Rik de Voest in the World Group Playoff last year is the longest rubber ever played by an Indian, a sign of his drive and determination.

"Somdev is our rock. We look forward to at least one point (win), if not two, during a Davis Cup match from him," was what Mahesh Bhupathi said after the tie against Brazil in Chennai.

Expected to be the highest-ranked player at the CWG 2010 at 117, Somdev understands the kind of expectations that are being placed on his shoulders once again. Coach Jaideep Mukerjea expects him to garner at least one gold in the competition, and another possible medal in the doubles with Rohan Bopanna at the spanking new RK Khanna Tennis Stadium. But responsibility is something he thrives on.

"I'm going to treat it like I play any other tournament. I know the competition is going to be tough because there's a lot of good players coming from different countries. It won't matter where I'll be seeded. I'll just have to play well and try and beat whoever I'm playing on the given day. The bottom line is that I have a chance to win a medal for India," he says.

Though there was a ring of doubt over his and Leander Paes, Bhupathi and Bopanna's participation at the Commonwealth Games due to a row over unpaid dues but which has been sorted out, he's eager to land in Delhi, the stories coming out of the Games Village notwithstanding. "I've pretty much stopped following the news that comes out every day about something or the other about the Games. This is an opportunity and whatever else happens that does not change. No matter what the circumstances, I'll do my best to win a medal."

Hopes are high and something tells us that this young man won't disappoint.