Devvarman retires from Tennis gets acknowledges his ‘tremendous contribution”

Indian tennis fraternity today came together in acknowledging the “tremendous contribution” Somdev Devvarman made to the game in the country and the fitness benchmarks he had set for the younger generation.

Counter-puncher Somdev, at the age of 31, announced his retirement from tennis on Sunday, having represented India in the Davis Cup in 14 ties with 14 wins and 10 defeats in singles.

He played some great matches in Davis Cup.

His contribution to Indian tennis is tremendous,” SP Misra, under whose captaincy Somdev played many Davis Cup ties, told PTI.

“During the tie against Chinese Taipei, he beat Lu, and against Serbia, he beat Janko Tipsarevic and also had a great singles win against Brazil.

When reminded that his ouster from the Indian Davis Cup support staff was a result of a revolt led by Somdev, Misra said he “won’t comment on the past.” India’s current top singles players, Saketh Myneni, Yuki Bhambri and Ramkumar Ramanathan said Somdev will definitely be missed in the Davis Cup team for the sheer passion he brought into the game that rubbed off others as well.

Myneni said it will be difficult to train the way Somdev trained but they surely learnt from him.

Yuki said now that Somdev will not be there to battle it out during Davis Cup, they understand the sense of responsibility.

Asked what is one thing which will be missed with Somdev not around in Davis Cup, Myneni said, “The teasing part will be missed.