Mumbai: India's hopes of winning the men's tennis gold medals at this month's Asian Games suffered a severe blow after their top-ranked singles player Somdev Devvarman pulled out of the event to concentrate on the ATP Tour.
Devvarman, who won singles as well as men's doubles gold at the Gunagzhou Asian Games four years back, 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 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," All India Tennis Association 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."
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 player, 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.
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