Somdev Devvarman's work ethic was second to none: Sakth Myneni

Somdev Devvarman didn't quite have the hands of the fast, touch players that Indian tennis was renowned for

Somdev Devvarman, who quit professional tennis yesterday

Chennai: Somdev Devvarman didn't quite have the hands of the fast, touch players that Indian tennis was renowned for. But he had the legs and the will to show what it takes to survive and thrive in the new, attritional age of tennis.

Devvarman, whose career high of 62 in 2011 was the best by an Indian since Ramesh Krishnan (23 in 1985, announced his retirement from the sport yesterday at a relatively young age of 31.

"His work ethic was second to none," said India's current No. 1 singles player Saketh Myneni.

Saketh Myneni

"His game was based on his determination and fighting spirit. For the past 10 years he's been an example for all the singles guys, he's been like a big brother to me. He showed all of us the amount of work you need to put in and the focus needed to play in the top-100. But the thing is playing that style day in and day out takes a lot of physical and mental strength, maybe that's why he has taken the decision (to retire)."

Somdev was also India's mainstay in the Davis Cup, leading them to the World Group in 2010 and primarily the reason why India were able to stay in the elite group of 16 for three years.

Devvarman now reportedly harbours hopes of becoming a coach and had held a two-week camp for some of the Indian youngsters ahead of the Chennai Open.

"Me, and all the younger players, look up to him. Even in the Davis Cup team he would keep talking to us and sharing his experience. He probably didn't talk as much because he was still playing but am sure now he's going to talk a lot more and crack a whip on us to get out fitness right."

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