I don’t care about rankings anymore: Somdev Devvarman

<g data-gr-id="86">When Somde</g>v Devvarman steps on the DLTA courts, he brings with himself a touch of invincibility. Ask him about his love-affair with the venue, where he has not lost <g data-gr-id="69">single</g> match since 2010, he struggles to find the right answer.

It all began with winning the 2010 Commonwealth Games gold and continued with two Delhi Open titles, the second coming in February this year. He could not say much on what makes DLTA so good for <g data-gr-id="72">him</g> but he is sure about one that thing that he feels ?different? when he play here and hopes to continue his special relationship with the venue and help India qualify for the elite Davis Cup World Group.

He has not had a great season so <g data-gr-id="80">far</g> but he wants to keep a safe distance from number crunchers. On his own admission, he does not “care” about rankings <g data-gr-id="78">any more</g> and just concentrates on playing good tennis. He says he is losing some close matches and if he can win those, everything will fall back in place. He has had ordinary last two years on the demanding Tour but is sure that he can “make it happen”.

While he is not keen on talking about his ranking, the admiration for compatriot Yuki Bhambri was evident as he spoke about the Delhi boy’s red-hot form.

Somdev feels that the kind of form Yuki is in these days, he looks set to break into top-100 and his title win at Shanghai Challenger is a great morale booster ahead of the Davis Cup tie. While gearing up for the Davis Cup test against <g data-gr-id="75">Czech Republic</g> shedding buckets of sweat at the DLTA courts with coach Zeeshan Ali for <g data-gr-id="74">company</g>, Somdev spoke to PTI on a range of issues.

What about your plans. Do you see yourself breaking into top-100 by the end of this season?

To be honest, I don’t care anymore. I just want to play good tennis. I just want to win. I am not bothered.

Obviously, I would like to finish in top-100 and make the main draw in the Australian Open and have a better schedule. If I don’t, I will play in Qualies. But the key for me is to stay healthy and win close matches that I am losing. I can make that happen.

The last two years you have had ordinary results.

For my standards, it’s not been the best two years. The thing is that there have been patches of quality tennis. I have never won two Challengers in a year in my life. So, there are some positives as well. I am losing a lot of three set matches.

This has been a tough season for you. You lost many fist round matches. How are you shaping up for the tie?

It’s been tough. I have lost a few close matches. But once I went back home, it was nice and relaxing. When you are in the middle of the tour, you don’t get a chance to be at home, it was nice. I practised at home also and here twice today, feeling good after <g data-gr-id="70">first</g> day.

It is because that you play defensive and do not attack more, just try to wear <g data-gr-id="65">opponent</g> out?

It’s a combination of <g data-gr-id="82">lot</g> of things. In sports, everything is momentum. I have been in this place so many times and it takes one or two wins and things start turning around. I have been working hard.

The answer for me is that it’s going to come through hard work. It’s still not too late for that. <g data-gr-id="68">Everebody</g> knows that I am going to work hard. Let’s hope.