Fomer Top 100 player Somdev Devvarman has announced his retirement from professional tennis. Aged just 31, the Indian star decided that the time was right to end his career, following years plagued by shoulder injuries, sharing the news with fans via Twitter.
Starting 2017 on a new note, retiring from pro tennis. Thanks to everyone for the love and support over the years. #newyearnewbeginnings
— Somdev Devvarman (@SomdevD) January 1, 2017
Reaching a career-high ranking of No. 62 in July 2011, Devvarman represented India’s only Top 100 player for a period of years. He came to prominence after a successful collegiate career in the United States, reaching three NCAA title matches, winning two of them, including a final against John Isner.
He reached the 2009 Chennai Open final where he lost to Marin Cilic after wins against Carlos Moya and Ivo Karlovic. He also reached the final of the 250 event in Johannesburg, South Africa, where he lost to occasional doubles partner Kevin Anderson in three sets.
Over the course of his career, he reached the second round of all four Grand Slam events, most recently in 2013 at the US Open.
There is some suggestion that Devvarman might take a role with the Indian Davis Cup team following his retirement from playing.
Tributes from his countrymen have poured in. Prajnesh Gunneswaran: “In modern tennis, the courts are slower and balls are heavier. Still he set the tone,” you look at Leander (Paes) and Mahesh (Bhupathi) and what they’ve achieved in doubles. But Somdev played and achieved in singles. It gave us belief that it can be done.”
Anand Amritraj (India’s departing Davis Cup captain): “It’s a loss for Indian tennis. But if he stays back, he’ll teach them (the current players) all a lesson in levels of fitness. Which we need anyway.”
