Somdev Devvarman (SD): Yeah, you know, no regrets at the end of the day. Obviously, there are some things I'd have done differently, but it's a learning experience for me. You just have to accept the things that happened and try to get better from here on.
PTN: You got off to a great start in both sets; do you think you were able to surprise him with your game? You're obviously more familiar with his game than vice versa.
SD: Yeah, maybe a little bit. But, you know, it was also tough conditions out there. You know, it was windy and I was trying not to overplay in the wind, because it's not easy to put the ball in the court sometimes, especially when it's coming with all that spin. So I was just trying to be under control and let things happen [for me] there. And I think I did a good job.
PTN: Did you sense that the crowd was really supporting you for the effort you were giving out there, starting to get behind you more?
SD: Yeah, absolutely. American crowds always enjoy good tennis and I think they like rooting for the underdog. So yeah, it was very nice to get their support.
PTN: In both sets, you kept it really close but then got broken at love near the end. Was that maybe nerves, or did you feel like Nadal raised his level at the right time?
SD: Yeah, it's unfortunate, when you're playing a guy like this, you really need to uh... you know, I started off in the last game with a double fault, that didn't help. After that, the guy really comes out and doesn't give you much. Every time he gives you a shot to hit, you really have to execute, pretty much perfectly. Otherwise, he's so fast, he gets to it, puts you in an awkward position all the time. So, it's tough to play a guy like Rafa and to get in that position, but, obviously, he's No. 1 in the world for a reason.
PTN: Did you start feeling nervous at any point near the end of each set?
SD: No, I don't think it was nerves so much as he just started executing really well. I think he hit a lot of really good shots in those service games.
PTN: Have you ever played anyone who hits that hard on nearly every shot?
SD: I've played guys that hit hard for sure, but maybe not as consistently. Some guys hit hard for one or two shots, but this guy is out there, really pushing you on every single point.
PTN: What do you take away from the tournament?
SD: Well, there's a lot of positives obviously. You know, I've spent three years on Tour now, and I feel like I've been getting better every year. So, right now, this year especially, I've played a lot of guys in the Top 10, and I'm really starting to believe that I can get up there with these guys, and maybe even beat them. I'm very motivated right now with the way I'm playing, and hopefully I can really get better and really make the most out of the opportunity that I have.
PTN: Thanks for talking with us.
SD: No problem.
