Expressing disappointment over his first round loss in the ATP Chennai Open tennis tournament here, India's top singles player Somdev Devvarman has said he is focussed on getting back in the top 100 and has better tennis in him than what he showcased today.
An error-prone Somdev, a wild card entrant, lost 3-6, 4-6 in 80 minutes to Lu, ranked 38th in the world.
"Lu played better than me. Obviously he put pressure on me at 3-3 in the second set. He is a quality player and he won today," 29-year-old Somdev said in the post-match press conference.
Somdev said he will stay focused on his future plans.
"The Australian Open is coming for me. I am very excited. Now I will go out and play there and win a few good matches and give it my best. After that regardless of whatever happens I will play in Challengers. My goal to getting back to top 100 has never changed," he said.
"For me it is question of how I can get my game up. I have better tennis than what I had showcased today. I just stand positive and give my best," he added.
Asked about losing the first round match in back to back tournaments here, Somdev said, "Obviously disappointing result. More disappointment for me than anybody else. No other way to see it."
Talking about his plans to get back to the top 100, the 139th ranked Somdev said, "The planning does not stop. I have to work hard. May be I did not work hard. Obviously set backs are going to happen. It is never going to be easy, especially for me it has always been hard work. It never is going to stop."
"It is the first match of the year. Obviously, both of us actually lacked a lot of rhythm. I believe it is never easy to come out and play the first match of a season. Both of us were obviously nervous. At the end of the day I did not deliver and there is no question about that and there are no excuses," Somdev said.
"I will have to work on my serve and forehands. If you lose, people are unhappy. After Chennai Open the year continues. Regardless of the outcome in a tournament, we go to practice in court and work hard," he said.
