On July 1, 1961 after a hard day in the field against Sussex at Hove, five members of the Oxford University team including myself, went out into Brighton for some Chinese food
Looking at the flip side of his Round One defeat, Devvarman says he can now book a flight to play the Australian Open qualifiers
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| Somdev Devvarman returns tou00a0 David Goffin of Belgium in the Chennai Open first round yesterday. Devvarman lost 2-6, 4-6. pic/AFP |
David Goffin, who? Discerning tennis fans would ask. Well at the Nungambakkam Tennis Stadium in Chennai everyone knows him now as the Belgian, who slayed India No 1 Somdev Devvarman 6-2, 6-4 with a devastating display of attacking tennis in Round One of the Chennai Open.
Belgium is better known for its chocolates, waffles and crepes (pancakes), but not as much for its tennis players on the ATP circuit. Their most famous men's player currently is Xavier Malisse, who incidentally also won his opening round match here. Of course, on the women's side there is the dynamic duo of Justine Henin and Kim Clijsters.
But no one in their right mind would have dreamt of Goffin scripting the most sensational upset of the tournament.u00a0 Somdev is ranked no 106 on the ATP computer compared to the Belgian's 225. But it was the player from the small town of Liege, having reached here through three qualifying rounds, who played exhilarating tennis from the outset.
The 20-year-old next plays Stanislas Wawrinka in the pre-quarter-finals and given his current form, the Swiss had better watch out.
A downcast Devvarman admitted: "David played better. He was in sizzling form from the beginning. I am very disappointed with my performance."
On the lighter side, the Indian said: "I can book my air tickets for Australia now. The qualifiers in Melbourne for the Australian Open begin next Tuesday.''
The Belgian was ecstatic: "This is the most spectacular win of career. To beat someone who is ranked just above 100 is incredible. This is my second ATP event and I am delighted with my performance,'' he said.u00a0
