Indian Wells (California), March 13 India's No. 1 Somdev Devvarman pulled off a stunner at the PNB Paribas tennis tournament by knocking out 19th seed Marcos Baghdatis in straight sets, 7-5, 6-0, here Saturday.
Somdev, who earlier in the second round beat Frenchman Adrian Mannarino 6-2, 6-3, next plays the winner of Joe Wilfred Tsonga and Xavier Malisse in the third round.
Somdev, who qualified for the main draw along with his Davis Cup teammate Rohan Bopanna, was in complete control of the match as the Cypriot was in all manner of problems. Baghdatis could neither serve well nor return it with any confidence.
It was a creditable performance by the Indian in a tournament in which the world's top four players Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray are taking part.
After winning the first set 7-5, the Indian blanked Baghdatis in the second with some terrific ground strokes. He also converted five of the eight breakpoints he had while the Cypriot could barely manage to win one of the three.

Share OR Bookmark This News With

| More

EMAIL THIS NEWS

COMMENTS No comments yet