If there was a star that shone the brightest in the Indian tennis firmament last year, it was Somdev Devvarman. Be it reaching a maiden ATP Tour final in Chennai (losing to Marin Cilic), exacting revenge on the Croat at Washington, making it to the second round of a major (US Open) for the first time, or ensuring India's qualification for the Davis Cup World Group for the first time in 11 years, the 24-year-old made aficionados sit up and take note.
When this correspondent interviewed Somdev on the sidelines of the 2007 Kingfisher Airlines Open (in Mumbai), he had admitted giving himself a couple of years to improve and make it big or start looking for an alternative career.
In a little over two years since, Somdev's career has not only taken flight but is also going higher.
More importantly, besides adding a few noteworthy wins to his resume, he also seems to have worked hard on his game. In the past year or so, he has successfully tried variations like coming to the net and volleying, aspects that were hitherto oblivious in his game.
"When I say that I am improving, I actually do mean it; I am not lying at that time," he explains.
"I constantly try to improve my whole game, and not just one aspect of it. And that's why I insist my coaches not just tell me what to do but how to do it as well," he emphasises, adding, "For example, the transition from the back court to the front is just one of the improvements. Similarly, my serve has also become more consistent."
However, the Indian, ranked 124 at present, insists there's still some work that needs to be done.
"I know that always there is room for further improvement," he admits.
"The whole of last season was all about ups and downs, but I realise that in order to be a better player I got to be more consistent, ensure that the ups are more consistent than the downs."
2009, in more ways than one, was a breakthrough year for Somdev.
However, the follow-up to that breakthrough is usually tough. Is he prepared for the challenge?
"I just got some more experience now and feel that I am playing better than ever. So I think I am ready to play some good tennis in the year ahead," he replies, and then goes on to explain his strategy for the year.
"This year the focus for me is to try and keep points shorter and make it easier for myself."
In a year when his singles performances will be closely monitored, Somdev is keen to play doubles events as well. The 24-year-old insists that playing doubles won't affect his singles performances.
"I don't think playing doubles takes a toll at all," he explains. "In fact, it helps you to work out on certain things, like coming to the net, serve and volley, taking the returns earlier and taking a few chances and trying them out when you are playing in the singles.
"Playing in doubles definitely helps the singles game," he adds.
However, Somdev does have a regret when it comes to doubles.
"I try to play both in singles and doubles in every tournament I enter, but because my doubles ranking is so poor I don't get entry to the doubles draw in many events," he laments.
If his performances in doubles does match those in singles, then it is just a matter of time before Somdev will not be complaining any more.
