Devvarman says training with Andy helped him big time

Devvarman credits Schuettler scalp to stint with Roddick

Devvarman says training with Andy helped him big time

The Chennai crowd just cannot get enough of Somdev Devvarman. They love him in these parts. Maybe Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M Karunanidhi should make him an honorary resident of the city.

The Assam youngster played out of his skin to put Germany's Rainer Schuettler out of his misery triumphing 7-5, 6-2 in his opening singles match of the 2010 Aircel Chennai Open.

Schuettler was totally flummoxed as Devvarman pushed him from side to side with probing groundstrokes.

Somdev has his task cut out as he plays Janko Tipsarevic in the second round. The Serb had famously taken Roger Federer to five sets in the 2008 Australian Open.

"Man, he is a solid player. He hits the ball really hard. It is going to be a really difficult match,'' revealed the India No 1.

The 24-year-old and World No 126u00a0 recently trained with American Andy Roddick. "It was fantastic playing with him. It really helped my game.''

The Indian was also happy to meet India football captain Bhaichung Bhutia at the Chennai Open. "It was a terrific experience. He plays pretty well, I especially liked his forehand,'' said a praiseful Somdev.

Not many know that the Indian is a huge music buff. He just can't live without his i pod. "I just love music. The Dave Matthews band is my current favourite.''

The Assamese is pretty good with the guitar. "Yeah I like to play the guitar and sing a bit in my free time.''
He has also dabbled in modeling and has a keen sense of fashion.

The million dollar question everyone in Chennai is asking is can he go one step further and win the coveted title. "I don't know. I just want to take it one step at a time,'' signs off the exhausted University of Virginia graduate.

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