Somdev Dev Varman

Mumbai: Somdev Dev Varman’s career got a major boost this week when he got the chance to train with American world No. 8 Andy Roddick.

Dev Varman, India’s highest-ranked player at 205, has been working with Roddick, the since Monday in Austin, Texas.

To work with a top-10 player in the off-season is a dream opportunity for the 23-year-old.

The Tripura-born lad will be tutored by Roddick’s coach Larry Stefanki during the 10-day programme, a statement from the player’s management said.

“I am very excited at the oppurtunity to train with Andy under the watchful eye of Larry Stefanki. It will be a great learning curve for me, ,” Dev Varman said.

Stefanki has coached greats like John McEnroe, Marcelo Rios, Yevgeny Kafelnikov and, more recently, Fernando Gonzales.

Dev Varman, who will be staying at Roddick’s house during the stint, will also benefit from working with the latter’s fitness trainer Doug Preen.