“Chopped me in the Commonwealth Games semis” - Matthew Ebden heaps praise on Somdev Devvarman

Former doubles World No. 1 Matthew Ebden recently lauded Somdev Devvarman, saying the former Indian player ‘chopped’ him at the 2010 Commonwealth Games in New Delhi.

In a comment on an Instagram post highlighting Devvarman’s successful 2011 season, Ebden wrote:

“Also chopped me in the Commonwealth Games semis in Delhi.”

Matthew Ebden's comment, Image by Matt Ebden/ Instagram

Ebden was referring to his semi-final clash with Somdev Devvarman in the men’s singles event at the 2010 Commonwealth Games, held in New Delhi. Tripura-born Devvarman, who is a three-time Asian Games medalist, defeated third-seeded Ebden 6-3, 6-1.

With his victory against the Australian, Somdev Devvarman reached the final where he faced another Australian — Greg Jones. The Indian defeated Jones in another dominating display, winning in straight sets (6-4, 6-2) to win his first and only gold medal in the Commonwealth Games.

After having a stellar career with the highest rank of 62, Somdev Devvarman announced his retirement from professional tennis on January 1, 2017.

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Matthew Ebden's performances in recent tournaments

Somdev Devvarman's Commonwealth Games 2010 semi-final opponent Matthew Ebden has also had a magnificent career. Along with his partner Rohan Bopanna of India, Ebden achieved a career-high rank of No. 1 in the men’s double rankings in February 2024.

Ebden, currently ranked No. 3 in the world, carried over his good form to the recently concluded Paris 2024 Olympics, where he won the gold medal in the men’s doubles event alongside John Peers.

However, Matthew Ebden recently suffered a slump in his form, as he, partnered with Bopanna and suffered a first-round exit in the 2024 Cincinnati Masters, losing to Arthur Fils and Nicolas Jarry 4-6, 7-6, 8-10. The defeat on Friday marked the third consecutive defeat for Ebden and Bopanna in the ATP Tour Round-of-16 matches.

After this loss, veteran Matthew Ebden, who will turn 37 in November, will look to bounce back when he takes the field at the ATP 250 Chengdu Open in China, which is scheduled to start on September 18 and end on September 24. He will have further opportunities to improve his record on the ATP Tour, with the Hangzhou Open, Laver Cup, and Kinoshita Group Japan Open Tennis Championships all taking place before October 1.

Tennis fans will also hope that Ebden's doubles partner Bopanna resurrects his form after two first-round losses at the Paris 2024 Olympics and the Cincinnati Open. The 44-year-old Indian, who recently announced his national team retirement, will look to have a winning end to his stellar career.