It's not about stress over feud with AITA, it was a bad performance: Somdev

Somdev Devvarman said that his ongoing feud with the All India Tennis Association had nothing to do with the straight sets loss to world number six Tomas Berdych in the second round of the Chennai Open here.

"May be you would not have seen me as stressed in seeing the guy, who is six in the world. I do not think that stress has got anything to do with my today's performance," Somdev said on.

"For that matter, whatever is going on off the court is not really affecting me. It is just the fact that it was a poor performance. There is no question that he is a far superior player. I have to improve and keep working hard," he added.

The player, who has suggested some sweeping changes in the organisation of Davis Cup ties in the country, admitted that his performance was bad.

"I agree that it was a very bad performance by me. Unfortunately it happened over here. I was happy that I got my first round win and there is no denying that I am lacking in matches right now.

"(It was) definitely not my best tennis today. Having said that, I do not think even best tennis could have been good enough. The guy is playing well and he is confident and he is a good player. Hopefully, such performances will not happen in the future," he said.

Asked if there was any boycott threats by players even if the demands are not met by AITA, Somdev said, "Honestly speaking, as far as the players are concerned, we kept this highly professional and we are keeping this between us and the association.

"Unfortunately, they do not see it like that. It is their problem. We are going to continue dealing with them the way we do with them."

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