<p>"It's a proud moment for me that a boy whom I coached for about three years before he moved to Chennai and US has helped India qualify for the World Group," Ali said about Somdev's historic win last night in Johannesburg.<br />After picking up the racquet, nine-year-old Somdev was taught the basics of the game by Ali at Calcutta South Club when his father, then an income tax employee, was posted here.<br />"He was very hardworking and disciplined. Having come from a small town, he had the right attitude unlike the boys who come from cities. His sincerity has taken him where he is now," Ali told PTI.<br />Somdev came back from two sets down to beat Rik de Voest 3-6, 6-7, 7-6, 6-2, 6-4 in four hours and 38 minutes in the first reverse singles to give India a winning 3-1 lead over South Africa in the World Group play-off.<br />"I am very happy, India beat South Africa without Lee-Hesh (Leander Paes and Mahesh Bhupathi). With Yuki (Bhambri) coming up, (Rohan) Bopanna doing well, we have a bright future in the trio," he said. <br /><br />The former Davis Cupper, however, said Somdev was not a product of India as his coaching at senior level was in the US.<br />"There is a lot of difference between junior and senior tennis. At junior-level, the focus is on foundation and the mental aspect. Somdev trained in the US after his initial coaching in Kolkata and Chennai. He is not a product of India," said Ali.<br />Former greats Naresh Kumar and Jaidip Mukerjea also hailed Somdev's achievement.<br />"Full credit to Somdev, it's a good day for Indian tennis. But don't forget Bopanna played a crucial role in the playoff. He should concentrate on singles," said Naresh Kumar.<br /><br />"It's a great achievement for India as we have qualified for the World Group. I am also impressed with Bopanna for beating the South African No 1 at home," Mukerjea said.</p>
<p>"It's a proud moment for me that a boy whom I coached for about three years before he moved to Chennai and US has helped India qualify for the World Group," Ali said about Somdev's historic win last night in Johannesburg.<br />After picking up the racquet, nine-year-old Somdev was taught the basics of the game by Ali at Calcutta South Club when his father, then an income tax employee, was posted here.<br />"He was very hardworking and disciplined. Having come from a small town, he had the right attitude unlike the boys who come from cities. His sincerity has taken him where he is now," Ali told PTI.<br />Somdev came back from two sets down to beat Rik de Voest 3-6, 6-7, 7-6, 6-2, 6-4 in four hours and 38 minutes in the first reverse singles to give India a winning 3-1 lead over South Africa in the World Group play-off.<br />"I am very happy, India beat South Africa without Lee-Hesh (Leander Paes and Mahesh Bhupathi). With Yuki (Bhambri) coming up, (Rohan) Bopanna doing well, we have a bright future in the trio," he said. <br /><br />The former Davis Cupper, however, said Somdev was not a product of India as his coaching at senior level was in the US.<br />"There is a lot of difference between junior and senior tennis. At junior-level, the focus is on foundation and the mental aspect. Somdev trained in the US after his initial coaching in Kolkata and Chennai. He is not a product of India," said Ali.<br />Former greats Naresh Kumar and Jaidip Mukerjea also hailed Somdev's achievement.<br />"Full credit to Somdev, it's a good day for Indian tennis. But don't forget Bopanna played a crucial role in the playoff. He should concentrate on singles," said Naresh Kumar.<br /><br />"It's a great achievement for India as we have qualified for the World Group. I am also impressed with Bopanna for beating the South African No 1 at home," Mukerjea said.</p>
