After guiding India into Davis Cup World Group finals after 11 years, Somdev Devvarman spoke to Mobile ESPN's Bhagya Ayyavoo.

Bhagya Ayyavoo: What a match that was Somdev! Can you recollect that grueling match against Rik (de Voest)?

Somdev Devvarman: Yes, it was definitely a great match all the way through. The longest match I have ever played and my first five-setter, so I am really glad that it finished the way it did. It was really tough really, the way he was playing. He was playing world class. He had a really good strategy and he was carrying it out really well. I didn't have too many chances out there. I just hung in there and I knew that he had to give me an opening.

BA: If you are to reflect on the 20 of the 27 breakpoint chances missed in that crucial reverse singles tie against Rik, how would you view it now?

SD: If I have to become a better player, I need to start taking more of those chances. Yes, it is different in a Davis Cup tie, a little bit more pressure. I was also trying a little harder. I am giving myself a lot of opportunities, there are couple of good things to look at. That's what better players do -- they get one or two opportunities and they take it. That's what I did in the lower-level tournaments and that's what I should do to step it up here.

BA: In that marathon match, your body held up really well. What extra fitness training has gone into that?

SD: It goes back a long way, and not just what I have been doing in the last couple of months. That's something where I have put a lot of emphasis. I have played many matches in my short career where fitness has been the key. That's why you really work hard as you want to feel fresh on court. When you come out with results like this, it really makes it worthwhile.

BA: There was so much hype about your match-up against Rik in that crucial rubber. Seriously, how difficult was it to take on your playing partner?

SD: I think it was tough for both of us. The guy is comfortable playing at an altitude and he has done it pretty much all his life. I am not as comfortable, but you know I had been there for a while and prepared well. But he played a fantastic match, just came out a little bit short. He gave me one or two (dirty) looks in that third set, and I was sportive enough to take it.

BA: A win without Leander Paes and Mahesh Bhupathi's contributions - how big is it?

SD: I think it is really good for Indian tennis. Having said that, it is really not fair to them as I feel they contributed in a lot of ways even though they necessarily didn't win for us. Leander was on the phone with us the whole time supporting us, at least with me. And Mahesh was there all the time, unfortunately he hurt his groin. Every single point, Mahesh and I were making eye contact. He was helping me through the match, pushing me through the tough moments. So, their leadership for the team is always important and motivating for us.

BA: Rohan Bopanna seeing off the South Africa No.1 Rik in style in the second rubber, did you guys expect that from him, considering that he was coming out of an injury?

SD: That's the great thing about Bopanna. You are never really completely sure what to expect. You know the way the first set went. It wasn't really looking good for us to be honest. But after that, Bops really stepped it up. He took the game to another level. He just played the way he likes to play and started serving really big. His game does revolve around his serve. And after that, a few things started clicking his way. And Bops just finished it out like a champ. I think, he was pretty much in my mind the most important person for us in this tie because he was the biggest underdog in that match. Being out for three months with a knee surgery and coming through in four sets with no physical issues whatsoever and winning a tie like that is just fabulous.

BA: Does this set a new trend in Indian tennis that you guys have got the talent and maturity now to actually do it without the big guys?

SD: Yes, I would like to think so. And not just that, look at the way Yuki (Bhambri) performed. That's huge for Indian tennis. I just feel we have a lot of upcoming players and lot of talent. And now the talent is trying to get a really good direction. If all of us keep doing the right things, it is just going to keep getting better and better.

BA: With two months to go in the season, what will the approach be with your ranking at 131 now?

SD: Obviously, I want to break into the Top 100 by the end of this year. But that is going to take a lot of effort from me. It's going to be tough to make the jump. But I feel I am playing some good tennis and this is the good time to do it. I will be playing another 6 or 7 tournaments till the end of this year and will be taking a month off to train so hopefully I will be able to do it by then.

BA: Som, you have a consistent game, but is something like a weapon missing there?

SD: My consistent game is one of my weapons (laughs). But, yes you are never content with what you have. No matter how good a match you play, there is always something you can work on. Yes, that's something I should work on and hopefully sooner or later I should have some weapons.