xtratime Logo

Kolkata , January 01 : Somdev Devvarman will want to forget 2015. The 30-year-old participated in 19 ATP Challenger level tournaments. He fell 10 times in the first round itself. However he won two titles, (Delhi in February and Winnetka in July). One of his best achievements in 2015 was beating World No.40, Czech’s Jiri Vesely, at the Davis Cup. Devvarman international rank in the singles category dropped from 136 at the beginning of the year to 177 at the end of it due to his lack of consistency. In the upcoming Chennai Open he will start as a qualifier for the first time as a result of it. Somdev Devvarman has been training hard under his newly hired coach Theodoros Angelinos since October, 2015 when he had played his last Challenger event of the season. “We have been friends for long time. He has the experience of being on the Tour until very recently, and at this stage of my career I need to work with someone I trust.” said Devvarman when asked about his new coach. When asked about his new fitness diet, he says: “I think, at every stage you have to find ways to improve. This is one area I have not changed, so I thought of giving it a try. I have started eating healthy, and also I am a vegetarian so it makes things complicated — getting the right stuff in your body in terms of protein after sessions.” He also added, “I am just little bit more aware of that and I try to give myself a good chance of being healthy and strong throughout the year.” India’s current No.3 has cut down on junk food, and acquired a new fitness regime. With reduced body flab, he is exuding an athletic demeanor on court. India No.2, Saketh Myneni will be playing with Devvarman in the qualifiers. 27-year-old Sanam Singh is the third Indian who will play in the qualifiers for the tournament. Sanam Singh was more successful in the ITF Futures events than in the Challengers. He played nine future tournaments in the United States and Canada and he reached the final thice, and won twice. The silver medal for India in the men’s doubles of the 2014 Asian Games was won by Myneni and Sanam. They also won the challenger event in Bangalore in October. When asked about his goals for 2016, Devvarman said that he wants to focus on staying healthy and playing more matches. “I didn’t play enough last year. I want to compete in the Slams and Tour events, and that’s where the motivation comes from — to do well in big events.” said the only collegiate tennis player to have made three consecutive finals at the NCAA. “So I need to work hard, play the Challenger circuit well, and give myself a chance at the Tour events and the Slams.” he added.