June 26, 2012

Former Virginia men’s tennis player Somdev Devvarman received a wild card entry into the men’s singles tournament at the 2012 Olympic Games. Devvarman will represent his home nation of India as one of the 64 players who will compete in the event, held July 30-August 5 in Wimbledon at the All England Lawn Tennis Club.

The International Tennis Federation (ITF) announced the Olympic field Tuesday, with 56 players receiving entry based on their ranking and eight players selected as wild card entries by the ITF. Devvarman, who has been sidelined with an injury since November, received one of the eight wild cards. The field of 64 includes all of the top 10 players in the world.

Devvarman, who reached a career-high No. 62 world ranking last year, is currently ranked No. 259 in the world. He is scheduled to make his return to action in July.

“I am really happy to have the opportunity to represent my country in the Olympics,” said Devvarman. “It is a great opportunity and I look forward to competing at the Games at Wimbledon.”

Devvarman, who won the 2007 and 2008 NCAA Singles Championships at Virginia, becomes the first Cavalier to participate in the Olympic Tennis Tournament. He joins several other current and former Virginia student-athletes who are expected to compete in the London Olympics, including field hockey players Paige Selenski (United States) and Michelle Vittese (United States); women's soccer players Becky Saurerbrunn (United States) and Lori Lindsey (alternate, United States); swimmers Katya Bachrouche (Lebanon) and David Karasek (Switzerland); and rower Inge Janssen (Netherlands).