Somdev defeated the likes of Carlos Moya and Ivo Karlovic to reach his first ATP final at the Chennai Open. He lost to Marin Cilic in the finals, but had shown enough to prove that he is destined for bigger things on the tennis court. In August, Somdev qualified for his first Grand Slam at the US Open. He made an exit in the second round, but not before taking a set 6-0 from the 24th seed Philipp Kohlschreiber.
India's Davis Cup tie against South Africa saw Somdev at his very best. Down by two sets, Somdev made an astonishing comeback to win the crucial third match that took India into the World Group after a span of 11 years.
MSN India caught up with India's latest tennis sensation before he flew off for yet another tournament in South Korea.
MSN: Starting first up with the very important reverse single match against South Africa's Rik de Voest during the Davis Cup. Were you under any pressure going into the game?
Somdev: Yes, obviously I was under a bit of pressure in the crucial game, but once you step onto the court and get into the match all the butterflies vanish quickly. Once you start getting into the action all the pressure sinks away. The seniors on the sidelines of the court (Mahesh Bhupathi and Rohan Bopanna) were also there, calming me down and supporting me.
MSN: What was the feeling when you beat Rik and the win took India into the World Group after a gap of 11 years?
Somdev: Unbelievable! It was a great feeling to win that game. All the guys shouted and hugged me and there were congratulations all around. I really think I am lucky to have all those guys around me, my team-mates and my coach.
