I will take any win: Somdev

CHENNAI - India’s Somdev Devvarman said he had no qualms about “taking a win” under any circumstances like the one here Sunday when his opponent Thomaz Bellucci conceded the reverse singles match in the Davis Cup World Group playoffs.

“I have lost enough this year. People take top 100 or top 150 for granted. It’s not easy and a lot of hard work. On the tour, every player wants to win no matter what, and I am just happy to win today,” said Somdev, ranked 113.

The 25-year-old Somdev, who grew up in this city, pointed out that his insistence to have the tie in Chennai given the oppressive weather conditions besides the hardcourt surface, was vindicated.

“The heat and humidity are good for me and Bops (Rohan Bopanna). It (the weather conditions) did not hurt us, but it helped us. I stand by my decision. It was a good call,” he asserted.

Devvarman said he was well prepared for Sunday’s match and had recovered well from the punishing five-setter that he had lost to Ricard Mello Friday in the second singles.

“I recovered well with a couple of ice baths, massage and time at the pool. I ate well and slept well. I was happy to see the sun out this morning.

“My strategy was to move him around and not let him push me, and be quick enough to cover the court. It was a question of having the right attitude,” he said.

On his part, Bellucci, looking tired, weak and dejected. He barely spoke at the post-match media conference and said he started feeling ill in the first set tie-break.

“I was tired after Friday’s match (a five-set win against Bopanna), but there was nothing to worry about. Today, I began feel tired and ill in the tie-break and I couldn’t continue,” said Bellucci.

On his immediate future, the Brazilian said he would rest for a few days and then decide his next course of action.