Somdev Devvarman joined senior compatriots Leander Paes and Mahesh Bhupathi in the main draw of the men's doubles at Wimbledon after winning the final round of the qualifying event in London on Thursday.
The Indo-South African pair of Somdev and Kevin Anderson beat Italy's Alessandro Motti and Joseph Sirianni of Australia 7-6(0), 6-7(1), 8-6 in an extremely tough second round match.
For Somdev, who had earlier failed to qualify for the singles, it is one of the biggest moments in his fledgling career.
The Indian has been going through a lean patch since making it to the final of the Chennai Open in January and this opportunity of making the main draw of a Grand Slam event should inspire him to revive his singles campaign.
"It's an important win for me. Qualifying for Wimbledon feels pretty good. I would have loved to have qualified in the singles event also, but I guess this makes up a bit for that disappointment. I was disappointed with the singles loss, doubles qualification does add a healing touch," Somdev said from London.
Somdev failed for the third time in the year to make the main draw of the singles event of a Grand Slam when he lost the first round of the qualifying event of Wimbledon.
"It's a good feeling being in the main draw of a Grand Slam. This does highlight my ability to play doubles as well. It's great for Indian tennis to have another player in the main draw of a Grand slam," he said.
