Speaking exclusively to t2, the multitalented Somdev Devvarman shares his take on the GOAT debate, his plans for a music album, his love for egg rolls, and much more!
What motivated you to move to the United States as a teenager and what impact did it have on your tennis and your personality?
When I was 18, I was the best junior in the country (India). At that age, it was difficult to find an exact pathway to becoming a professional tennis player. I found it pretty challenging to do that from India. One is because most tournaments are in parts of Europe and America, and it is very expensive to travel. To do so without a coach is also hard. How does an 18 or 19-year-old self-reflect after every match?
When I joined college at the University of Virginia, the pool was really strong. I got a degree and a scholarship. But I also got to evolve as a person and as a player. I had three coaches, eight or 10 teammates. If we got injured, we had experts to make sure we were fine and back on court. It was the most important part of my tennis life. Those four years really gave me the opportunity to grow, to mature, and become a better player. Tennis is a lonely sport, but to have teammates and be working towards a common goal can work wonders for young people.
Earlier this month, Novak Djokovic levelled Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal at the top of the men’s singles Grand Slam honours list. You have played against all three. Who was the hardest to face and can you give us a definitive pick in the GOAT debate?
All three of them play very differently. They pose different challenges, beat you in different ways. Roger attacks more than the other two, he has the ability to mesmerise you on court. Rafa beats you with brute force, Novak is tactically much better than you, he does not miss out on any opportunity.
In terms of Grand Slams, you would imagine that Novak is the favourite right now. It is safe to say that Roger is past his prime. With Rafa, he is still up there among the top two players on clay, but with the other surfaces, he is more vulnerable than Novak to the next generation. I think Novak has the opportunity to hit 25 or 27 Slams, it does not look like he is slowing down. Novak is willing to do things with himself and his game that nobody else is willing to do.
But each of these three is a giant of the game, everyone else is just along for the ride. I am just happy I got to be a part of the same era, that I got the chance to not just watch them, but play against them.
In the recent past, you have spoken out against police brutality and racism. Are you disappointed that more Indian athletes do not take a stance on issues of social justice?
There is no reason to be disappointed. To each their own. The first thing is to understand that everyone has their own problems in life. I certainly do not expect everyone to see things the way I do, but as long as I have the freedom to see things my way, I am happy enough with that.
Probably, the more athletes start becoming self-sufficient in how they want to move their careers forward, the more they might want to be speaking out. Also, keep in mind that these things can be distractions. Professional sport is hard enough without the distractions, which take away your training routine, take away the mindset you need for success.
At the same time, as a nation, I do believe it is important for the youth to speak up for what they believe is right. It is not a crime to speak your mind, right? As long as you do it respectfully.
Over the last few years, we have seen you write, perform, and release a series of songs. Do you have any plans of releasing an album anytime soon?
Ah, I did not see that question coming! But yes, that (releasing an album) is the plan. I am in no rush to do it, to be honest. I have spent a lot of time in the studio, but I have not spent enough time. I want to get my sound right, and I want to figure out exactly how I want to do it. An album is in the making, I have to just get a bunch of the musicians together, probably get a good producer on board, and then see what happens.
You spent the early part of your childhood in Calcutta before moving to Chennai. What are your fondest memories of Calcutta and what do you love the most about the city?
I love the egg rolls, the chaat... food basically. I did leave when I was eight years old, so probably too young to have clear memories. But those were happy times for me. I remember playing a lot of sports, kicking the ball around or playing cricket. I actually did not play tennis at all. But I like the culture over there, just the general vibe of Calcutta has always been really nice.
As a man of many talents, what does the future hold for you? Where do you see yourself in five years’ time?
I have a hard time looking beyond three weeks! But five years... I will not go there because five years ago I would not have imagined that we would be here. But I hope that I have released at least two albums (in the next five years). And in terms of the other stuff— tennis, coaching, media— who knows! No idea.
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FACT FILE
Somdev Devvarman with Roger Federer Sourced by the correspondent
Just two years after turning pro, Devvarman enjoyed a splendid calendar year of 2010, winning the gold medal both at the Commonwealth Games as well as the Asian Games (in both singles and doubles)
In 2011, Devvarman was honoured with the Arjuna Award, the same year in which he went on to achieve his highest ATP singles ranking of 62
Devvarman’s best Grand Slam finish also came in 2011, when he reached the third round of the men’s doubles (with Treat Conrad Huey) at the US Open
Devvarman won the Delhi Open in both 2014 and 2015, before announcing his retirement from professional tennis aged 31 in January 2017
In 2018, Devvarman was felicitated with the Padma Shri, India’s fourth-highest civilian award
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Your favourite film: Good Will Hunting
Your favourite musician: Cat Stevens
The funniest player on tour during your playing days: Andy Roddick
Your favourite holiday destination: The last one I went to, Sri Lanka. I loved it
Your favourite food: Egg rolls
The one thing you cannot travel without: My guitar