Tennis Briefs - Sania Mirza in Round 2 of Australian Open

Agence France-Presse, MELBOURNE: Sania Mirza made a successful return from a long-term wrist injury on Monday when she downed Marta Domachowska of Poland in straight sets (6-1, 6-4) at the Australian Open. For more click here

The Press Trust of India, NEW DELHI: His phenomenal performance at the Chennai Open has re-ignited the passion in the men's game in the country but Sania Mirza is hoping that Somdev Devvarman's success will do more than just help tennis shoot up the popularity chart. For more click here

Indo-Asian News Service, NEW DELHI: While Somdev Devvarman is fast emerging as a new Indian tennis star, Yuki Bhambri is seen as another one in the making. For more click here

The Press Trust of India, KOCHI: The four-day All India Lotus Trophy Tennis Tournament will commence here from January 21. For more click here

ATP RANKINGS (19 January 2009)
(in brackets - positions lost/gained since last week)
SINGLES
155 (-1) Devvarman, Somdev
209 (0) Amritraj, Prakash
317 (-1) Bopanna, Rohan

DOUBLES
6 (0) Bhupathi, Mahesh
10 (0) Paes, Leander
76 (0) Bopanna, Rohan

WTA RANKINGS (19 January 2009)
(in brackets - positions lost/gained since last week)
SINGLES
108 (-1) Mirza, Sania
196 (0) Rao, Sunitha
361 (0) Lakhani, Isha

DOUBLES
59 (+1) Mirza, Sania
218 (0) Rao, Sunitha
309 (0) Uberoi, Shikha

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW - Somdev Devvarman

Indian tennis sensation Somdev Devvarman spoke to The Indian Tennis Blog about life after his giant-killing run to the final of the 2009 Chennai Open.

How helpful was the 3-week training with Andy Roddick before the Chennai Open. Did it play a part in your performance last week?
It was an incredible experience, training with Andy. He and Coach Larry Stefanki gave me some really good tips. Also training with someone who has been in the top 10 of the world for many years gave me great insight into how hard I need to work. It definitely had a big role in my performance in Chennai.

Any ranking goals for 2009?
I've never set any goals for myself as far as rankings are concerned. I just want to keep working hard and enjoying the hard work. The rankings will take care of themselves.

Any expectations from the Australian Open?
I go into the Australian Open with a lot of confidence as I feel I'm playing well. I have worked hard in the off season to prepare for a good showing in the Australian Open.

Which is your favourite career win - Moya, Karlovic, Kendrick (Lexington)...?
Probably Moya. He has been a former world No. 1 and he has been in top flight tennis for over a decade.

Given the Somdev-mania in India right now, it seems only a matter of time before you are offered your first ad. Will we see you endorsing something soon?
Well, I don't really concern myself with it. I have an excellent Management company in Mamba International and they will look after that aspect. I just want to keep my focus on playing tennis.

(Click here for another interview by Somdev Devvarman to The Indian Tennis Blog in October 2007, more than a year ago -- when he hadn't turned professional yet)

FROM THE ARCHIVES
Somdev Devvarman wins at Lexington, his fourth title in a row

Somdev Devvarman misses out on ACC player honour

Twin triumph for Somdev Devvarman at Rochester

Somdev Devvarman's twin triumph at Florida

Tennis Briefs - Somdev goes down fighting in Chennai

Reuters, CHENNAI: Third-seeded Croatian Marin Cilic defeated Indian wildcard Somdev Devvarman 6-4 7-6 to win the Chennai Open on Sunday. For more, click here

The Press Trust of India, CHENNAI: The Chennai Open will remain in the city for at least another five years with increased prize money and a title sponsor. For more, click here

The Times of India, BANGALORE: Comeback girl Sania Mirza made a strong statement in the World Team Challenge tennis tournament in Hong Kong on Friday when she dismissed world No.25 Agnes Szavay of Hungary to give the Asia Pacific team a 2-0 win over a Europe side led by world No.1 Jelena Jankovic. For more, click here

Sportstar: By winning the singles title in the under-18 section of the Orange Bowl in Miami, the 16-year-old Yuki Bhambri has not only become the No. 2 in the world junior rankings but also the best hope for 2009. For more, click here

ATP RANKINGS (12 January 2009)
(in brackets - positions lost/gained since last week)
SINGLES
154 (+48) Devvarman, Somdev
209 (-3) Amritraj, Prakash
316 (+16) Bopanna, Rohan

DOUBLES
6 (0) Bhupathi, Mahesh
10 (0) Paes, Leander
76 (0) Bopanna, Rohan

WTA RANKINGS (12 January 2009)
(in brackets - positions lost/gained since last week)
SINGLES
107 (-7) Mirza, Sania
196 (0) Rao, Sunitha
361 (0) Lakhani, Isha

DOUBLES
60 (+1) Mirza, Sania
218 (+1) Rao, Sunitha
309 (+1) Uberoi, Shikha