Devvarman’s Australian Open Participation is Uncertain

Written by: Staff on 4th January 2012

Devvarman’s Australian Open Participation is Uncertain

Somdev Devvarman of India hits a return to Andy Murray of Great Britain during their first round match on the third day of the 2011 US Open Tennis Championship at the USTA National Tennis Center in Flushing Meadows, New York, USA 31 August 2011. The US Open runs through 11 September 2011. EPA/JASON SZENES |

India’s promising Somdev Devvarman is fearful that a persistent injury may prevent him playing in the upcoming Australian Open.

The 26-year old has flown to the United States for treatment to his right shoulder after being forced to withdraw from the Chennai Open this week. The problem first arose as long ago as Washington at the start of the US hardcourt season, and he hopes that further MRIs will reveal the extent of the problem.

“As with all new injuries you hope that it would go away with a little rest and rehabilitation,” said Devvarman, who spent much of the off-season practicing with Andy Roddick in Texas. “I took a cortisone shot (in August), missed a week and then I struggled through the rest of the season. In the Davis Cup against Japan I was at odds. It was a frustrating time, the injury coming after five or six of the best months I had in the game.

“When I am not hitting much, 20-30 minutes I am okay, but when the load increases and I go over two hours then I feel the pain and I totally struggle the next day,”

Tommy Haas is also concerned about whether he will be fit to compete in Melbourne after withdrawing from the Brisbane International with a calf injury.