Somdev, Bopanna qualify for ATP Masters tourney
Carrying forward their good work at the Davis Cup, India's Somdev Devvarman and Rohan Bopanna have qualified for the BNP Paribas Open, an ATP Masters tournament here.
- Press Trust of India
- Updated: March 10, 2011 08:40 PM IST
Carrying forward their good work at the Davis Cup, India's Somdev Devvarman and Rohan Bopanna have qualified for the BNP Paribas Open, an ATP Masters tournament here.
Seeded second seed in the qualifying, Somdev outplayed American Greg Jones 6-2 6-4 while Bopanna, who is a doubles specialist, shocked top seed Daniel Brands of Germany 7-6 (5) 7-6 (4) in the final round.
Somdev has drawn French Adrian Mannarino in his first round in the main draw and if can manage to clear the first hurdle, he will be up against 19th seed Marcos Baghdatis of Cyprus.
Bopanna will take on Australian teen sensation Bernard Tomic and upon clearing the first round, the tall Indian will be up against Serbia's Viktor Troicki, whom he gave a good fight during the recent Davis Cup World Group tie.
"I am glad to have passed through the challenging qualifying stages and I am looking forward to the next match. Singles matches are a different ball game altogether and I am enjoying the competition," Bopanna said.
Meanwhile, Sania Mirza and her Russian partner Elena Vesnina will open their campaign against Czech pair of Abdrea Hlavackova and Lucie Hradecka in the women's event at the same venue.
Sania had teamed up with Elena in Dubai and Doha events before this prestigious WTA event.