Doubles specialist Rohan Bopanna has been playing the role of second singles player for long in the Davis Cup. The 24-year-old Vardhan played the second reverse singles against world number 55 Nishikori in the play-off tie against Japan when Somdev was ruled out due to a shoulder strain and the debutant did put up a good fight before losing.

“He has got a lot of praise. The guy rose to occasion. It’s not easy to play against the guy he played. There is a difference of 400 places. He did not look like 400 places behind.
“However, potential is something and getting result day in and out is something else. Most of us are guilty of judging people on one match. You have to be consistent,” Somdev, who was in city to receive his Arjuna Award, told reporters.

Somdev could not turn up to receive the coveted award on the National Sports Day due to US Open commitment and he got the trophy from Sports Minister Ajay Maken on Tuesday. “It’s a very nice honour. I am happy I won it. Good to have appreciation of the Sports Ministry and the public,” he said.

India were relegated to Asia/Oceania Zone after losing the tie against Japan 1-4 but Somdev refused to read much into the defeat. “It’s sport. Sometimes underdogs win and favourites lose. It’s unpredictable and what’s matters is what’s on court and not on papers. And we must appreciate that Japan played well and it’s wonderful accomplishment for them and the Asian tennis,” Somdev said.

“We will play again in Group and hopefully back to the World Group soon,” he added.
Talking about his injury, Somdev said he will be back into action in about 15 days’ time and blamed too much tennis for it.