Asian Games tennis, Somdev Devvarman topples Tatsuma Ito, faces Denis Istomin for gold
The 25-year-old Somdev Devvarman of India has made his way into the final of the men’s singles tennis event at the Asian Games, beating his fourth seed foe Tatsuma Ito of Japan in three sets on Monday. The final match score was 6-2, 0-6, and 6-3.
Currently ranked number 106 in the South African Airways ATP list, Somdev is seeded number two to win the gold in China. The professional tennis ace from India bounced back from the brink to subdue his Japanese rival with a three setter win in the end. The
right hander as a result of this victory has also ensured his nation at least of a silver medal, which would be a first one for the Indian side.
In a battle that was stretched to a time period of nearly two hours, the second seeded Indian won the opening set comfortably versus Ito, who is currently ranked number 195 in the World. However, Somdev later was literally blown off the court by his fourth
seed opponent, who took the second set 6-0.
Things were appearing hard for Somdev when he and his opponent traded service breaks in the opening four games of the decisive set. The Indian, who achieved his career high ranking of world number ninety-four back in October, staged an excellent rally under
pressure by preventing a total of two break points during the fifth set, which later on turned out to be the turning point of the match.
Somdev regained poise and broke Ito on the third occasion decisively before clinching the set 6-3 and thus confirming his spot in the final round in China.
Somdev, who was competing in his 13th clash in the championship as he is taking part in the doubles event as well, while commenting on the match after his victory said, “It was a great match. I just hung in there, prevented the break points in
the fifth game and held on to my serve”.
When asked about the action packed schedule, the Assam born player added, "I have done it before, playing the Challenger and the Davis Cup. And I am not travelling here and my physical trainer is there”.
He will take on the top seed Denis Istomin from Uzbekistan in the final for gold, who overpowered Go Soeda, of Japan in two sets earlier in the day. The final match score was 6-1, 6-0.
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