Somdev Devvarmans only dream as a youngster was to be a part of the opening ceremony of the Olympics the one where you are walking with your countrymen,waving to your friends,relatives in the stands,and the whole world watching you. Next months Commonwealth Games,he says,will be a good warm up for his big day. As a kid,my whole lifes only goal was to be a part of that Olympic march. Though 2012 is far away,CWGs opening ceremony is like a warm up. More so,it is in front of a home crowd, Somdev says. When Somdev walks into the newly-built RK Khanna Tennis Stadium to be a part of what is tenniss debut at the CWG,the 117th ranked player might just be the top seed. Oh really! I didnt know that. Isnt (Australian,Peter) Luczak coming? he asks. But within a second the bigger picture looms before him. Its actually a huge opportunity,and if Im the top seed,or seeded 6th,the goal is to get medals for the country. Otherwise youre on the tour most of the time. This is a special feeling.to represent your country in your country, he adds. Giving him company,and egging him on from the sidelines,as they did during the Davis Cup World Group play-off tie against Brazil,will be his team mates Rohan Bopanna,Leander Paes and Mahesh Bhupathi. On the morning of Somdevs crucial fourth tie against Brazil,with India down 1-2 in World Group play-off,he received a text message from Mahesh Bhupathi,saying: Wake up boy,the sun is out,your day today. And after Somdev won that match,it was hard for him to concentrate in the press conference that followed because a television on his right showed Bopanna playing the last rubber. Im sorry Im not paying attention but do you guys wanna go out and cheer for Bops? he said to a group of media persons. And cheer he did,but when Bopanna won the match,it was hard to identify each of them in the bundle of joy that they formed on the court. While Paes and Bhupathi have been part of Asian Games and Olympics before,CWG will be Bopannas first world event. To be at the CWG in front of a cheering home crowd Im sure thats going to give me chills. When you dedicate your whole life to tennis,its wonderful when some of your dreams like representing your country become a reality, Bopanna says. Lee-Hesh impact Despite their careers on the ATP tour headed in different directions,the team decisions prevail whenever they get together. The team bonding is something really special; especially considering the history that Lee and Hesh share. Its remarkable that they selflessly keep aside their rivalries to hold the team together. And thats something that we all learn from them. that no matter what the team comes first, Somdev says. Adds Bopanna: Even though I reached the final of the US Open,the most memorable moment in my career so far has undoubtedly been the Davis Cup win in Chennai. This goes to show that playing with a team backing you up is really special. The energy,determination and camaraderie that prevails during team events is unmatchable. Its great to be able to play with them (Paes and Bhupathi) and have them cheer you on while playing, he adds. After five Olympic Games,four Asian Games and 20 years of Davis Cup,Paes will be bidding for a gold medal at the CWG. Every time I get to the court,it is to celebrate my countrys people. Im glad to be a part of this fantastic team, Paes says. His confidence is echoed by Bhupathi: These guys (Bopanna and Somdev) can step up to play against the very best teams as well,and the home courts work to our advantage. Indias tennis team seems like one happy family.
