上屆男單和男雙金牌得主印度的Devvarman,宣布將不參加今年仁川亞運,
他說為了打亞運而放棄參加巡迴賽是不合理的事情,
他希望自己能夠專心職業賽事,並爭取單打排名在年底重回前100。
印度網協希望他能至少參加團體賽,但他還是拒絕了。
India's Devvarman not to defend Asian Games tennis gold
(Reuters) - India's top singles player Somdev Devvarman has opted not to
defend his tennis gold medals at this month's Asian Games in Incheon, South
Korea, as he wants to concentrate playing on the ATP Tour after sliding down
the rankings.
Devvarman, who won singles and men's doubles gold at the 2010 Guangzhou Games
in China, has slipped to 143 in the rankings after a spate of poor results
and wants to improve his position by playing on the circuit.
"It didn't make sense for my professional career, to step away from the
circuit and play (in the Games)," Devvarman said in a statement. "I have had
a tough year dealing with a few injuries unfortunately and my ranking has
dropped due to that.
"I am starting to feel good finally and look to break into the top 100 again
by the end of this year.
"Stepping away for the Asian Games unfortunately was not going to be a
positive impact in my aim to break into the top 100."
Seven gold medals will be up for grabs in tennis competitions to be held from
Sept. 20-30 at the Sipjeong Stadium during the Incheon Games.
The 29-year-old Devvarman, who rose to a career-best 62 in singles in July
2011, will lead India's challenge against Serbia in the Davis Cup World Group
play-off in Bangalore from Sept. 12-14.
"All India Tennis Association was informed about my decision to opt out of
the Asian Games and continue on the tour during Wimbledon this year," he
added.
"They were aware of this decision and yet chose to have me on the team."
The sport's governing body in the country, however, did not seem pleased with
Devvarman's choice.
"It is very unfortunate for us. We requested him to play at least the team
events which will be only for four days but he's adamant," AITA general
secretary Bharat Oza told Reuters.
"He said he will miss three tournaments on the professional circuit if he
plays the Asian Games. We can't force him."