DC round-up: India back in the big time

 

Originally published on: 26/02/10 11:44

Somdev Devvarman completed India’s return to the World Group for the first time in 11 years with a sensational 4-6 6-7(3) 7-6(5) 6-2 6-4 comeback win over his practice partner, South Africas Rik De Voest.

In the first reverse singles of the day at the Ellis Park Indoor Arena in Johannesburg, Devvarman saw the first two sets slip from his grasp before launching an incredible fighback in a near five-hour slugfest.

Cutting down on his unforced errors, the 24-year-old’s deep ground strokes pinned De Voest to the baseline as he recovered from a break down in the third in emphatic fashion as the South African crumbled.

India eventually won the tie 4-1 as 17-year-old junior Australian Open champion Yuki Bhambri also recovered from a set down on his debut to beat Izak van der Merwe 3-6 6-3 6-4 in the dead fifth rubber.

After sitting out Saturday’s doubles rubber, Roger Federer guided Switzerland to the World Group, dealing with a two-hour rain delay in Genoa before completing a 6-3 6-0 6-4 victory against Simone Bolelli to defeat Italy 3-1.

It was a tough weekend for us and Im happy I could help Switzerland win, Federer, who admitted he was nursing injuries after his US Open efforts, said. I was able to play very well.

I have to go on holiday badly. I have a problem with my leg, I have a problem with my arm

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