Skip to: Site menu | Main content

Somdev to play Davis Cup if Prakash Amritraj remains unwell

2008-02-06

Feb 5: Young Somdev Varman might have arrived late in the capital for the Asia-Oceania Group I Davis Cup tie against Uzbekistan starting Friday, but non-playing captain Leander Paes Tuesday was impressed by the youngster's game.

Paes said Somdev has an even chance of making his debut in the world team event.

Somdev's chances of featuring in the singles brightened after Prakash Amritraj was taken ill with a stomach upset, which forced him to miss the team's practice session Monday.

Somdev arrived here Monday night from US where he had to fulfil his commitments with his University of Virginia team before flying to India. However, he was on the court within hours of arrival and Paes was seen showing a lot of interest in his play.

"Rohan (Bopanna) is undoubtedly our spearhead as he is enjoying a good run. His outing at the Hopman Cup was excellent. But we are keeping our options open for the second singles," Paes told reporters during India's training session at the National Sports Club of India (NSCI) here.

Paes said he was impressed with Somdev's adaptability to grass courts. "I am surprised to see his ability to adapt. Though he plays most of his tennis indoor in the US, he is an all court player," the tennis ace said.

He further added that Varman, who likes to play from the back of the court, is a prospect to nurture for the future. Even former Davis Cup captain Naresh Kumar, who was present during the practice session, was happy to see the youngster.

"Somdev has got his basics right. He has solid ground strokes," Kumar said.

Prakash, who is a natural grass court player, practised for half an hour practice in the second session Tuesday.

Paes, however, did not rule out Prakash's chances of playing the tie.

"He (Prakash) is feeling better. It's about regaining his strength and physical condition," he said.

However, Somdev himself is not so optimistic about his participation against the Uzbeks.

"I am trying to make the best of the situation and I am feeling pretty comfortable on grass. Obviously, the position I am in right now is tough, so I don't expect anything," the 22-year-old player from Tripura said.

"Rohan, Prakash and myself all have been playing well and two of the best among us will play against Uzbekistan," Somdev added.

Link to This | Back to top

[ Back to top ]

Created with ShoutPost