A shock straight sets victory by the unfancied Somdev Devvarman over Jiri Vesley saw the hosts India draw level with the Czech Republic on the opening day of their Davis Cup World Group play-off Friday. Devvarman, ranked 164, thrived in the sweltering heat and humidity at the R. K. Khanna Stadium in New Delhi as he notched up a 7-6, 6-4 6-3 win against the world number 40 in the second singles match.
In the opening rubber, Lukas Rosol beat India's number one player Yuki Bhambri 6-2 6-1 7-5 to give the visitors a 1-0 lead. With the mercury touching 35 degrees celsius (94 degrees Fahrenheit), players were often seen reaching out for ice towels and chilled water bottles.
"I enjoy playing here. Without the support of the crowd it would not have been possible to win under these conditions," Devvarman said after the match which lasted two hours and 40 minutes. "We are just level now and I am sure the boys will come out firing tomorrow (Saturday). It's all about team effort." The first set went with serve until the tiebreak before Devvarman stepped up a gear and ultimately recorded a comfortable victory. The teams play the doubles on Saturday with India's Davis Cup star Leander Paes and Rohan Bopanna taking on Radek Stepanek and Adam Pavlasek followed by the reverse singles on Sunday. Three-time champions and Davis Cup powerhouse Czech Republic are fighting to keep intact their record of not dropping outside the competition's elite since 2006. India last made it to the World Group in 2011.
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