One foot in the World Group

After Somdev Devvarman gave the visitors a perfect start,Rohan Bopanna turned up and soundly thrashed the South African top gun.

Before the World Group playoff between South Africa and India got underway,the home teams top-ranked South African,Rik de Voest,decided to begin the early mind games with a comment on the togetherness of his squad,even going on to compare it with that of the Indians,who arrived in Johannesburg in batches. After being soundly defeated by Indias No 2 player Rohan Bopanna on Friday,though,the 29-year-olds crestfallen expression made it clear he wouldnt have much to say for a while as India put the finishing touches on a 2-0 lead.

After Somdev Devvarman gave the visitors a perfect start with a 7-6 (5) 6-3 6-4 defeat of Izak van der Merwe,Bopanna came back from a first-set capitulation to beat de Voest 2-6 6-4 6-2 6-4,celebrating with a roar and a jump as the rest of the Indian contingent reached over to congratulate him.

I told Rohan that I have full confidence in him,and he repaid my faith in him. The first set was a washout,but I told him to hang on till he gets his bearing, a delighted SP Mishra,the teams non-playing captain,told The Indian Express from Johannesburg. Compared to when they play on tour,Indians move up to another level when it comes to Davis Cup,they rise to the occasion. Both Somdev and Rohan played very well,and it was a great performance. But no celebrations today,were taking it day by day,the doubles is next and it will be tough too, he added.

Bopanna was so elated that he termed Fridays win one of the best in his career. This was one of my best matches ever. I served extremely well and I am happy with the way I fought back after the first set. It feels great to pull off such an important win. Now I hope to finish off the job tomorrow with Mahesh, he said.

Hesitant start

In the first match of the day,world No 133 Somdev began hesitantly but dictated more points as the match went on. With the ball flying on the fast indoor surface,the Indian took it slow initially,being content with returning the ball to the other side of the court,but was always the favourite in long rallies from the baseline.

I played well enough to win. It was important to win the first match and ease the pressure on Rohan. I am happy I got the job done and ecstatic with the way Rohan played. We are in a great position now, said Somdev.