Somdev Devvarman and Yuki Bhambri gave India a rollicking start as they posted straight-set wins in their respective matches to put the hosts 2-0 ahead in the Asia-Oceanic Davis Cup Group I first-round relegation play-off tie against Indonesia here on Friday.
Somdev defeated Wisnu Adi Nugroho of Indonesia 6-1, 6-2, 6-2 while Yuki saw off Christopher Rungkat 6-3, 6-2, 6-3 at the Karnataka State lawn Tennis Association Stadium.
Somdev did not have to face much of a competition from Wisnu, but Yuki had to earn his points against Indonesia’s number one player.
Yuki broke Rungkat twice each in all the three sets, which helped him in overcoming his competent opponent.
In the first singles match, Somdev defeated Wisnu, allowing India to grab a 1-0 lead.
Indonesian captain Hendri Susilo Pramono’s decision to field Wisnu proved disastrous as the 19-year-old failed to make any impact against the India number one.
Somdev said since he was playing Wisnu for the first time, he studied his movements on the field and adjusted to the game accordingly.
Wisnu showed signs of aggression but could not live up to it and in the process, lost to the Indian 6-1 in the first set, which lasted over 30 minutes.
“Wisnu approached the net but nothing materialised as I prevailed over him with winners on either side of the court,” Somdev said.
leander Paes-Sanam Singh will take on David Agung Susanto-Elbert Sie in the doubles rubber on Saturday.