After having capped a wonderful year that culminated in a nomination for the ATP’s ‘Comeback Player of the Year’ award, Somdev Devvarman now wants to make more of an impact at the Grand Slams.
“It’s not just about making the main draw, but I want make runs in ’slams,” said Devvarman, at a press briefing after the draw ceremony.
“I want to give guys in the top-30 a good run, and occasionally beat them too. I will turn 29 now, but the motivation to get better hasn’t gone down.”
Recalling the time when he was down with injuries in early 2012, Devvarman said he even went to the extent of considering alternative career options.
“I had doubts. It was extremely tough. But things are a lot clearer now and it’s good to be back,” he said.
Devvarman spent his off-season practicing at the Sania Mirza Academy in Hyderabad, courtesy an initiative of the Indian Tennis Players Association (ITPA).
While he was appreciative of the initiative, Devvarman said much more could be done by the Association.
“I’d be lying if I said I am fully satisfied. In the last 15 years there hasn’t been much improvement. But, this year, there has been some, and I am pretty happy with whatever has happened.
“What we now need is for the improvement to be consistent, and it should not stop.”
