Somdev crosses first hurdle

Five first round losses in the lead up to Wimbledon made Somdev Devvarman a nervous starter against German Denis Gremelmayr.

Five first round losses in the lead up to Wimbledon made Somdev Devvarman a nervous starter against German Denis Gremelmayr. But a dominating start of the opening round match and an injury-related withdrawal by his opponent at 6-4 4-2 saw Indias top ranked player cross the big hurdle.

It feels really good to be in the second round at Wimbledon. I always wanted to do well on grass. I came here after playing a few tournaments and had a few tough matches but I was happy to get in a lot of practice to get used to the surface, Somdev told The Indian Express.

Though it may be too early to draw conclusions,the world number 68 showed some good form on grass as he hit nine aces in his first round match and got a break quite early in both the sets. However,in little over an hour Gremelmayr conceded the match. The Tour is a tough place and any win is more than welcome. Ive worked hard on my game and fitness and its nice to be winning, he says about how he feels in such situations.

Next up for Somdev is the 18th seed Mikhail Youzhny,who he has played only once in a Davis Cup rubber against Russia last year. During his tough 4-6 6-2 6-2 4-6 6-4 first round win against Argentine Juan Monaco, Youzhny showed some discomfort. But Somdev isnt giving much thought to the fitness of his rival. Youzhny is a really good player,and 100 fit or not hes a tough competitor. Its going to be a good match and Im looking forward to playing him, he says.

Sania yet to decide on doubles

Meanwhile,Sania Mirza will undergo an MRI scan on Thursday to know the extent of damage in her left knee and her participation in the doubles events of the Wimbledon would depend solely on doctors recommendation. The doctor wants to get her to do an MRI before allowing her to play in doubles and mixed at Wimbledon. The main concern will be that she should not damage the knee further, Sanias father Imran said. As for the pain,she is ready to fight through that,provided the doctor gives her the clearance that the injury will not deteriorate.

Sania is scheduled to compete in womens doubles with Russian Elena Vesnina and for the mixed doubles she has teamed up with compatriot Rohan Bopanna. Sania lost her first round singles match on Tuesday after taking the field with the help of some pain killers.

Interestingly,it was 151st match,including doubles,for Sania in the last one year as she has played continuously after making a comeback in Birmingham event,last year. PTI