Asiad Games 2010 : Indian Tennis team assured of Bronze

Despite the absence of the superstars, India were able to put it across Thailand 2-1 in the men’s tennis team event at the Aoti Sports Complex on Sunday. India face Chinese Taipei in the semi-finals and are now assured of a bronze medal even if they lose.

On a day when US college kid Sanam Singh played in his inimitable style, he defeated 546thranked Kittipong Wachiramanowong 6-1, 6-4 in the first singles match in an hour and eight minutes.

Sanam played as he always does, aggressive from the back and at the net with good hands. As one who hardly plays pro tennis now because of university commitments, the way he handled Kittipong was admirable.

In fact, after the match, Thailand captain Paradorn Srichaphan took Sanam aside and told him about his potential.

“He has good hands and can develop as a player. I think he should turn pro quickly.” Paradorn told Indian coach Enrico Piperno.

In the second singles, Indian star Somdev Devvarman had to dig deep into his reserves to put it across seasoned pro Danai Udomchoke for a 7-5, 7-5 win in an hour and 43 minutes.

In a match between two players of identical styles who hit the ball hard and deep, Somdev came up with an extra shot when needed to win points. The Commonwealth Games gold medallist has his task cut out in open events and is ready for the grind.

Considering that the men’s team is without Leander Paes, Mahesh Bhupathi and Rohan Bopanna, the morale has been high. Proof of it is how the team has played with spirit. However, in the inconsequential doubles, Karan Rastogi and Vishnu Vardhan lost in straight sets.

Meanwhile, the Indian team management has decided to field Sania Mirza in singles and mixed doubles with Somdev Devvarman in the open events. “As per the rules, a player can compete in only two events. So we decided to put Sania in singles and mixed doubles. There will be two doubles pairs in the women’s section,” said Piperno.