Somdev Devvarman is making his move on the ATP Tour. For three years the Assam-born, Austin, Texas resident languished outside the top 100. But this year, after reaching his first ATP final in Johannesburg, the round of 16 at the Indian Wells Masters Series event, and a quarterfinal in Singapore, Devvarman has climbed into the top 75. It's been a breakthrough season for Devvarman, the 2010 Asian Games gold medalist, as he has registered top 50 wins this year over the likes of Xavier Malisse, Marcos Baghdatis, Milos Raonic, and Janko Tipsarevic, not to mention, competitive yet respectable defeats to Rafael Nadal (57 46) and Roger Federer (36 36).  The fleet of foot, two-time NCAA champion employs a consistent, intelligent baseline game with improved firepower in his serve, as indicated by 41 total aces through early April. With more experience under his belt, look for Devvarman to continue his ascent on the ATP Tour.  

Read the entire article in the print edition
subscribe@the-south-asian.com