Vishnu Vardhan, the mixed doubles silver-medallist at the Asian Games with Sania Mirza, has revealed that Somdev Devvarman had invited him to the US for some off-season training.
The Hyderabadi looks forward to training with Devvarman — his teammate in Guangzhou and friend — at World No.8 Andy Roddick's base in Austin, Texas, over the next few days.
“It is a great opportunity for me. I spoke to Somdev this morning, and he said that the training was starting in a day or so. Somdev's coach Scott McCain was in Guangzhou and he has helped me.
“I will also be taking the help of Somdev's trainer Milos Galecic.
“I will have the chance to study Roddick's explosive serve from close, and possibly take a few pointers to improve mine,” said Vishnu.
On partnering Sania at the Asian Games, Vishnu said: “Initially I was nervous. Then, I had a lot going for me. I did not have much to do, and just tried to play my game.
“It was great to save two match-points and win our pre-quarterfinal match. I played my best tennis in the quarterfinals and semifinals.”
He said he had learnt a lot from just watching how Sania stayed calm and composed under pressure on the big points, and how she recovered from her singles semifinals loss to Akgul Amanmuradova of Uzbekistan in a three-hour match, to be ready for the mixed doubles match in about 40 minutes.
“She was the one talking, and I was happy to listen and learn,” said Vishnu.
And, on his return from the US, he plans to play at the Chennai Open.
“The good thing is that Somdev has got a direct entry for Chennai. That boosts our chances for a doubles wild card,” he said.
