At 25, Somdev Dev Varman is Indian tennis' hottest property. This player from the North East is considered as the brightest prospect for the nation after stalwarts Leander Paes and Mahesh Bhupathi. <img alt="" src="/imagedata/2009/oct/somdev1.jpg" border="5" /> In September 2009, Somdev proved his mettle in the arduous five-setter against South Africa's Rik De Voest to secure a berth for India in Davis Cup World Group. CS caught up with this descendent of Tripura's royal family to know more about his journey so far: The tennis bugu00a0 As a kid, I wanted to become an athlete. However, when I was eight years old, my father got transferred to Chennai. There I got introduced to the sport at the Britannia Amritraj Tennis Academy, where I got better and better. I played in India till I was 19, and then moved to the US to further my education and tennis career. What motivates me Tennis is extremely challenging. I love it, it's my life. This is what motivates me, the very idea of getting onto the court, and hitting the balls gives me a kick.u00a0 My icon I absolutely love Roger Federer. He's the greatest player of all time. Federer has the most complete game.u00a0 Off court persona I am a pretty regular guy off court. Music is one of my passions, I play the guitar and love Carnatic, rock and jazz music. I have a degree in sociology from the University of Virginia.u00a0 Fact sheet &gt;&gt;u00a0He was the national under-14 champion &gt;&gt;u00a0Won the National Collegiate Association America's singles title twice in 2007-2008 &gt;&gt;u00a0He was the only Indian to reach the final of the Chennai ATP event in 2009 bettering Leander Paes' semi-final record &gt;&gt;u00a0Has defeated players like Carlos Moya and Ivan Karlovic &gt;&gt;u00a0He qualified for the US Open this year for the men's singles draw

At 25, Somdev Dev Varman is Indian tennis' hottest property.

Somdev unplugged

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Somdev unplugged

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