India's top ranked Davis Cupper Somdev Devvarman on Sunday said he is not under any pressure against Brazil in the Davis Cup World Group Playoff tie starting in Chennai on September 17, but would try to make full use of the home advantage.
"We have to be mentally prepared. I will try as hard as I can and make use of the home advantage. As far as the doubles are concerned, both Leander and Mahesh are capable of handling any type of pressure," he said.
Somdev said India is not unduly bothered about the fact that Brazil's top two singles players are left handers.
"They are good players. Bellucci is ranked 28 and Ricardo Mello, 81. We have to practice and prepare hard. Whether they are lefties or righties does not bother us," he said.
Somdev, ranked 98 in the ATP rankings, with a 4-5 win-loss record in Davis Cup, had a moderate year, qualifying for the French Open and then losing in the first round of the US Open.
Somdev felt the three-day five-rubber tie would be a close affair but he also stressed that India needs to maintain the first serve percentage for points.
"I know what to expect from the Brazilians. We have to be on top of our game to beat them. The first serve percentage has to be improved," he said.
On his performance this year, Somdev said it was his best year so far, having played a lot of higher ranked players this season and improving his confidence.
Asked about losing matches in tie-breakers, he said, "It's not that I mess up every match to lose. The other guys (ranked higher) also play well. I have been playing a lot of guys in the top 100 this season and obviously the competition is tough."
Asked whether Paes and Bhupathi were at the fag end of their careers, Somdev shot back that they are still in the top ten.
"They are obviously top guys and enter every tournament with the aim of winning it, though with different partners."
On pairing with Bopanna with whom he is to practice for the Commonwealth Games, Somdev said his incredible run to the final of the US Open teaming with Qureshi, should augur well for them. "It's nice that he has been having a good run this year and breaking into the top-35.
"He (Bopanna) is a tough guy and if he gets going, it's very difficult to stop him," he added.
On teaming with Bopanna in doubles, Somdev said, "Presently I am concentrating on singles. But I would love to team up with him sometime (in doubles)."
On his decision to suggest to AITA to have Chennai as the Davis Cup tie venue, he said it is not hot as one would expect.
"I thought it will be pretty hot, but it is not so, and everyone is comfortable with the surface (hard court)," he said.
