‘Somdev struggling with defensive mindset’

Chen sorted out Devvarman’s game and exposed the shortcomings quite easily on Friday. He came to the net often and his controlled volleys gave the athletic Devvarman almost no chance to return. Devvarman, who was stationed at the baseline, wore a resigned look.

Even when he had four match points, Devvarman chose to stick to his usual style instead of going for the kill, a strategy that could cost him the match when it resumes on Saturday morning. It isn’t for the first time this year that Devvarman has been caught out by an aggressive opponent. Tour debutant Ramkumar Ramanathan had shocked the world No. 103 with a similar aggressive approach in the first round of Chennai Open.

Amritraj said he urged Devvarman to play more aggressively during the changeovers between serves. However, he seemed reluctant to venture out of his comfort zone. “I told him to hit hard but he was just pushing the ball around. He wasn’t able to connect it better and he was pushed behind the baseline constantly,” Amritraj said. “He wasn’t serving well either, he has been having problems getting his first serves in. These are some things that play on your mind. I don’t think he will sleep well tonight.”