Somdev ends India's long wait, qualifies for US Open

Rain had held up celebrations for Somdev as he was leading 6-3 5-2 against his rival in the third round match on Friday at the Flushing Meadows here. But Somdev completed his victory last night and set up a first round clash against Portugal's Fredrico Gil, who is currently ranked 110 in the ATP chart.

Somdev was ecstatic after the win but knows his job only becomes tougher from here.
"I am very happy and excited at having qualified for the main draw, but this is not where the hard work ends as I still have a long way to go. Now, I have to prepare well for whoever I am drawn to play in the main draw," he said after the victory.

Somdev thus becomes the first Indian in seven years to figure in the singles event of a Grand Slam tournament. Prakash Amritraj was the last player, who represented India in a Grand Slam when he played in the US Open in 2002.

Somdev broke Jerzy once and saved a breakpoint to clinch the first set. Then he converted two more chances in the second set to get closer to a memorable win. Somdev had earlier failed in all three attempts to book a berth in singles competition of a Grand Slam event.