‘For me country comes first’

Somdev ‘Dynamo’ Devvarman has dominated American collegiate tennis for two years now. He is only the 13th player ever to win back-to-back titles in the tournament’s 124-year history, and just the fourth in the last 50 years. He speaks to Sukhwant Basra about his career and the controversies surrounding Indian tennis...

Now that college tennis is done with, what are your plans for hitting the tour?
After a break of about ten days I plan to start with a couple of Futures in the US. Right now the focus is on Futures, with the odd Challenger thrown in. The idea is to get the ranking up, and be done with Futures as soon as possible. I am looking to put in 15-20 weeks of tennis minimum but don’t really have a set goal as far as rankings go. I don’t want to set a target and then let it get me down if it does not come through.

I am planning to have base near my college (University of Virginia) as I am really comfortable here. I would like to keep working with the people who have made me as good as I am today.

Shifting from India to the US really seems to have worked for you. Over here you were another struggling player and now you are the next big hope.

I got into a new system where the coaches really cared, and I got along with them so well. It was a strong team to be part of and we really, really worked hard. The off-court regime has been crucial. I have my own trainer and put in a lot of work in the weight room. All the time here we have been trying to get quicker, stronger and faster. The trainer really gives me a hard time. Man, I run a lot of miles.

A lot of players who go to college in America lose their way. How come you did not stray towards the big money jobs or the party life?
College tennis can be good or bad. If tennis is No. 1, and you want to play tennis professionally, then you have to make some choices. It’s easy to get distracted here but I feel as an 18 or 19 year old one is mature enough to make choices. I was clear about what I wanted to do. I did have fun but I always knew my priorities very clearly.

Explain the standard of the NCAA tennis. A lot of Indians are not aware of the importance of your wins.
The NCAA is extremely competitive, and there are a host of guys in the top-150 who have done well in college. Let’s not even begin to talk about (Jimmy) Connors and (John) McEnroe - an era that had even the world number one playing for his college. The number of good players coming through shows how hard college tennis can be. We put in a lot of time getting better and better. After this, I feel I can play and compete with the best in the world.

There has been a lot of good talent in the past that never delivered on its potential. What do you think will make you different, even if, as of now, you are the flavour of the moment?
I have not followed the careers of others so I don’t know why they faltered. I have it very clear. I know what to stay away from and I want to keep it simple: continue with good solid hard work. Money does not interest me too much, it’s the enjoyment of playing tennis that keeps me going. If in a few years time I can consistently play well at the highest level, and that to me will be the most satisfying bit.

You are now also now a hot commercial property. What’s your take on that and your plans for signing up with a player management company?
Honestly I find it hard to look at myself as a commercial property (chuckles). I am just a tennis player looking to make the best of my ability. Within the next ten days I will decide who I want to sign with. The deal that creates the best opportunity for me to play more tournaments with support will be the one I go with.

How important is Davis Cup and representing the country for you? If it comes to a clash between your ATP career and the country, what would you choose?
Whether it be Davis Cup, Olympics or any other chance to play for the country, I consider it the highest honour. To me the Davis Cup will always be more important than the professional tour. I don’t have any control over whether I am selected or not but when ever I am called on I would love to play for India. In fact I would love to be ready and able to represent India in the 2012 London Games.

There’s a World Group tie against Romania on clay. What’s your take on that?
Like I said selection is not something that is in my hands. But I personally love the clay, as I am a good mover on the surface. I hope they announce the team early for whoever is in the fray should then come to Europe early and play there. It would be better preparation than even the hard court Challengers in India. I have already checked and there is a clay challenger and ATP event in Romania in the run-up to the tie. Those would be ideal preparation.

What’s your most cherished dream in tennis?
I look at this as a gradual process. To be honest, I want to one of the best ever. But first let’s look at top-50 in some years. Then top-40 and after that top-25.
There are no full stops.