New Delhi: Somdev Devvarman is back home following Grand Slam debut at the Wimbledon and is gearing up for the challenges ahead including the Davis Cup tie against South Africa in September.
Somdev made it to the doubles main draw with South African partner Kevin Anderson but lost to India's Mahesh Bhupathi and Mark Knowles of the Bahamas in the first round.
The 25-year-old is India's highest ranked singles player and he did enjoy his maiden stint at a Grand Slam even though he was a little surprised that he failed to qualify in the singles.
"It was definitely a very good experience in my first main draw for Grand Slam. To be honest I didn't ever think it was going to be in doubles. But i had a really good partner and we gelled really well," said Somdev
His Grand Slam debut at the Wimbledon has been the only high point in Somdev's year after his inspirational performance at the Chennai Open in February.
Though more is expected from him due to his talent, Somdev is confident he can deliver.
"I think I have jumped about 800 spots in the ranking in one year. So hopefully I am just keep focussing on things I can control, getting better and trying to improve, and let the ranking take care of itself," said Somdev.
His games in the singles will be tested in the Davis Cup tie when India face South Africa in the World Group playoff in September.
With a chance at making it to the World Group stage for the first time since 1998, Somdev will have to be at his best.
"It's going to be a very important tie for us and the really good thing is that we are going to be playing on hard court... on which I think all our guys are very comfortable on. Making the World Group would be great for us and this is a really good chance for us to do it," hoped the tennis player.
South Africa may not sound like a great challenge, but they do have some singles specialists in their ranks and for Somdev the big challenge will be to face his now regular doubles partner Anderson across the net in the singles tie.
"I have played most of the guys in the South African team. I know them all really well. But it can be anyone's match depending on the day. So I think if I go there and get some good preparation and get some good practoces before the tie... I think we will in a very good spot," he added.
But for now it is back to rigours of the circuit, trying to qualify for big ticket events and keep moving up the rankings.
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