Somdev out of top-100, Yuki out of top-150
New Delhi: A struggling Somdev Devvarman dropped out of top-100 bracket in the singles rankings on Monday as the Indian slipped to 102 with the loss of two places. Somdev has been struggling since winning the Delhi Open Challenger title and failed to cross the first round hurdle in five consecutive tournaments on the ATP tour. Also sliding in the rankings was India’s second best singles player, Yuki Bhambri, who lost four spots to be 153. The tall and big serving Saketh Myneni though jumped seven places to be 262. In the doubles, Leander Paes continued to be India’s best ranked player and the only one in top-10 at number nine. Rohan Bopanna was next best at number 14. Mahesh Bhupathi, who will retire this year and will be playing only select events, gained a place to be 46. Divij Sharan suffered a loss of four places to take the 71st spot this week. In the WTA rankings, Sania Mirza maintained her eighth rank in the doubles chart. (PTI)
Bangalore to host India-Serbia tie
New Delhi: India will face off with formidable Serbia in the Davis Cup World Group play-off tie in Bangalore, it was announced on Monday. The All India Tennis Association officials also discussed New Delhi as a venue for the crucial play-off, to be held from September 12-14, but, on the insistence of the players, Bangalore was finally selected to host the matches. It was in Bangalore that India thrashed Indonesia 5-0 last year. “We consulted the captain and also the players before deciding the host city. Maybe the players like the slow courts there, so they wanted matches in Bangalore,” Bharat Oza, AITA Secretary General, told PTI. India defeated Korea 3-1 in an away Asia/Oceania Group I second round tie to reach the play-off stage while Serbia lost 2-3 to Switzerland in the World Group first round. The last time India and Serbia clashed was in 2011 when the visitors lost 1-4 in Serbia. It will be humongous task for the struggling Indian side to contain a team that has top-class players such as World No. 2 Novak Djokovic in its ranks. (PTI)
France to host Czechs at Roland Garros
PARIS: France will play their Davis Cup semifinal against holders Czech Republic at Roland Garros, home of the French Open, the French Tennis Federation said on Monday. France, who beat Germany in the quarter-finals, have opted to play the September 12-14 tie on the Philippe Chatrier clay court at Roland Garros for the first time since 2002. The Roland Garros stadium was built in 1928 to host the Davis Cup final between France and the United States. Since France beat the US in the 2002 semi-final, the Fed Cup team has also played at Roland Garros, losing against Russia in the 2005 final. Switzerland and Italy are contesting the other semifinal. (Reuters)
