Gearing up for Wimbledon, dreaming of Olympics

CHENNAI:  Right after his second round bow out at Wimbledon last year, Indian tennis player Somdev Devvarman injured his shoulder. After a year and many ranking slips later, the 27-year-old is ready to get back into the game. “I’m getting back into shape and am aiming to come back before Wimbledon,” says Devvarman, who though hasn’t played any matches yet this year, is on a path to recovery. “But the French Open is definitely not a possibility,” adds Devvarman, who was in town to visit the Lacoste store at Express Avenue. Having been associated with the apparel brand since 2010, Devvarman says that wearing Lacoste makes him feel “confident and outgoing while on court”.

Devvarman, who disappointed his Chennai fans by pulling out of the Chennai Open earlier this year due to injury, also subsequently pulling out of the Australian Open, says that though Wimbledon might his prime focus right now, his Olympic dream continues to remain. “It’s been a dream to represent the country in the Olympics since I was a kid,” he says, hoping that by the time he plays Wimbledon and has a few good runs in other tournaments in between, the Olympics will definitely be within reach.

Devvarman, who began the 2011 season ranked 108, moved up to a career best of 63, before slipping to 84 after injury struck him. “Although I had a bad second half, I finished in the top 100, so I thought I was playing well,” he reasons.

He is also positive that he is well on his way to get out of his slump, “I’ll definitely be able to get into a lot of tournaments that I would like to play because of my protected ranking. It’s just a question of pulling

together a few matches – probably three of four good matches –  after that I’ll be back in the rankings,” he says.

Though he admits that battling his injury was by no means easy, on the bright side, it has been a period of learning, “It has given me a new perspective of tennis and also a new understanding and appreciation for the game.”  He not only hopes that when he makes a comeback, he’ll be mentally refreshed to take advantage of his time off, but also definitely be back in the top 100. “I can hopefully end this year at (a ranking of) 75,” Devvarman says. “Staying injury-free is the biggest challenge. If I can accomplish that, the rest will follow.”

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Barcelona to play Pep's farewell game in Kolkata?

Barcelona may play Pep Guardiola's farewell game in Kolkata  

Barcelona fans in India, who are still mourning their favourite club's exit from the Champions League, have reasons to get excited. Talks are on at the highest level to hold a farewell exhibition match for Barca coach Pep Guardiola against Italian giants Inter Milan in Kolkata. 

Organizers are looking to host the match at the Salt Lake stadium on May 19, the same night Chelsea clash with Bayern Munich in the Champions League final in Munich. "We have already got the go-ahead from both the clubs. Several top players, including Lionel Messi, are more or less confirmed though players on national duty for Euro 2012 may not make it. If everything goes according to plan it will be a treat for football fans," Prashant Agarwal, CEO of Kshatriya Sports Management told Us.

Prashant's company, a part of UK-based firm Indian Football Evolution, was already in talks with several clubs to come to India during the pre-season when top clubs visit new frontiers to expand their support base around the globe. The Nerazzurri (Inter) are already scheduled to play in Indonesia in the last week of May. 


The main challenge for the organizers is to arrange the high-profile match at such short notice. "It will be a herculean task to host the match in just two weeks but we are confident. We are already in talks with various stakeholders and potential investors. The state government is also in the loop and a clear picture will emerge in the next two-three days," Agarwal said. 

"As of now I can confirm that the dream match is very much on the cards. What remains to be finalized is the clearance from the sponsors. We are planning to have the match in the evening so that fans can also enjoy the Champions League final later in the night," he added. 

Agrawal said if the match in Kolkata doesn't work out, the alternate plan is to have it in Spain. "Discussions are also on to find out the possibility of an El Classico but Barca have given first preference to India," he said. 

For Kolkatans it will be their second date with Messi after the Argentine superstar enthralled the capacity crowd, helping his country to a 1-0 win against Venezuela in an international friendly on September 3.

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