Somdev Devvarman started his Australian Open campaign on a winning note. He beat higher-ranked Germany’s Bjorn Phau in the first round of the men’s singles event on Monday.
Somdev, ranked 551, defeated 78th-ranked Phau 6-3, 6-2, 6-3 in match that lasted nearly two hours.
The 27-year-old Indian will next face the winner of the match between Italian Simone Bolelli and Polish Jerzy Janowicz.
Somdev was in a fine form, converting two of the three break points that came his way and also hit a couple of aces to win the first set in 31 minutes.
The second set lasted 44 minutes, during which Somdev double-faulted once but bagged two of the four break point chances.
It took another 35 miniutes for Somdev to win the third set and wrap-up the match. Somdev broke the German twice and had a better second serve winning percentage.
