Devvarman Lifts India into Davis Cup World Group

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JOHANNESBURG, South Africa — Former Cavalier men’s tennis player Somdev Devvarman led India to a 4-1 victory over South Africa this weekend in a Davis Cup World Group Playoff matchup. The victory moves India into the 2010 Davis Cup World Group, the first time India has competed at the highest level of international tennis since 1998.

Devvarman won both of his singles matches in the tie. On Friday, he opened play with a straight set win over Izak van der Merwe, who was an All-American at Old Dominion. On Sunday, with India leading 2-1, Devvarman clinched the victory with his come-from-behind win over Rik de Voest. After dropping the first sets, Devvarman rallied from down a break in the third and took the 4-hour, 44-minute match 3-6, 6-7, 7-6, 6-2, 6-4.

In other Davis Cup action, Treat Huey led the Philippines to a 4-1 victory over New Zealand in Asia/Oceana Zone Group II. The victory will move the Philippines into Group I in 2010. In the victory, Huey won his singles match on Friday and teamed with Cecil Mamiit to win doubles on Saturday.