The 2011 BNP Paribas Open witnessed an epic singles match from Indian Tennis perspective. A match which will be remembered for years to come.
India’s top singles player Somdev Devvarman not only qualified for the singles main draw but also won the first 3 rounds and set himself a mouth watering clash against the top seed Rafael Nadal.
Somdev won his 2 qualifying round matches comfortably in straight sets to book his place into the main draw. In the first round he was up against the now top 20 player Adrian Mannarino of France. Somdev defeated Mannarino 6-2 6-3 to reach the next round.
In 2nd round Somdev was drawn against the 19th seed and former top 10 player Marcos Baghdatis of Cyprus. The Indian not only won the match in straight sets but also bagel Baghdatis in the second set. Somdev was now just a match away from a place in the Pre QF and Xavier Malisse of Belgium who was a former top 20 player stood in his way. Som defeated Xavier in a closely fought 3 setter which went to final set tie break.
The Indian tennis sensation set up a dream match against then world no 1 Rafael Nadal for a place in the QF at Masters 1000 BNP Paribas Open.
Somdev started the match strongly and broke Rafa in the very first game and hold his own serve to have a 2-0 lead in the first set. The match was high class and was played in a jam packed stadium. In a closely fought first set Nadal broke Som in the final game of the set to win it. The world No 1 started the second set on the front foot but Som came back to make it level at 4-4. Nadal eventually won the match 7-5 6-4 but the Indian won hearts.
The match saw Somdev earn a standing ovation from the crowd for his gritty play. Watch match highlights below
Fun Fact : World No 1 doubles player Rohan Bopanna also qualified for the singles main draw defeating 2 seeded opponents in the qualifying round including the top seed Daniel Brands. Bopanna went down to Bernard Tomic in tough 3 sets.
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