Somdev in good nick, but berth will be tough

Somdev appeared realistic about his position in the squad. 8220;I know it8217;s tough to make the decision to play me, and I don8217;t have any expectations. I8217;ve had a good practice today and I8217;m comfortable on the surface. I8217;m serving well, and hitting the ball nicely. I can last seven sets if I have to,8221; laughed the youngster at the end of today8217;s practice session.

College tennis, Somdev believes, is doing his game a lot of good, and he intends to see out university life till the end. 8220;At the Australian Open this year, it made me happy to see there were a lot of players from the circuit. Guys like John Isner, Jesse Levine have done really well, and that reassures me that college tennis is at a very good level,8221; he said

Prakash Amritraj attended practice for half an hour after missing yesterday8217;s session due to an upset stomach, but if he doesn8217;t recover completely, perhaps Somdev8217;s chance may come sooner than he imagines. 8220;Prakash is feeling better now. He needs to get his body strong again; he is important for us because he is so comfortable on grass,8221; was what Paes had to say.