New Delhi: The All India Tennis Association (AITA) president Anil Khanna on Friday endorsed Somdev Devvarman’s decision to skip the Incheon Asian Games to concentrate on his professional career.
The 29-year-old has decided not to defend his singles and doubles golds, which he won at the 2010 Guangzhou Games, to focus on re-entering the top 100 in the world.
“I fully endorse Somdev and [India’s Davis Cup captain] Anand Amritraj’s decision. Somdev is focused on getting back into the top 100, which will give him direct entries into Grand Slam tournaments,” Khanna said in New Delhi.
Amritraj has also backed Devvarman, who is currently ranked world No. 143, in his decision.
“You also need to realise that, by making the first round of a Grand Slam, a player earns approximately $45,000 [Dh165,240]. So, if you qualify directly for all four Majors, you straightaway earn around $180,000 in a year and, if you progress further in the rounds, then you earn more,” added Khanna.
A first round loser of men’s or women’s singles at the Australian Open earns A$30,000 (Dh103,093), at the French Open €24,000 (Dh114,093), at Wimbledon £27,000 (Dh161,749) and at the US Open $35,574 (Dh130,628).
Questions were also raised regarding Devvarman’s commitment towards his country at the Asian Games, to be held from September 19 to October 4. However, Khanna fully supported the 2010 Commonwealth Games champion.
“He has won two golds for India at the Asian Games in the past. By playing the Tour events, by reaching the top 100, he is also doing service to the nation,” Khanna said.
Rumours are rife that doubles specialist Rohan Bopanna may also pull out of the Asian Games.
“There may be a few surprises; some may be good and some bad. The players will talk to the captain and the captain will talk to us. The captain will also let the media know about the team decisions,” Khanna added.
