New Delhi: For Somdev Dev Varman, it was a huge experience to cross swords with world No. 1 Rafael Nadal.

“I definitely had a blast out there playing the number one player in the world in front of 16,000 people… loved it…. Hope I get better,” said the Indian star, currently ranked 84.

There were several Indians in the stands, including Mahesh Bhupathi and Lara Dutta. “Thanks a lot for the support everyone…. I really appreciate it and it definitely motivates me a lot. You only get a couple opportunities to play these kinds of players,” he said.

So impressive was Somdev that even Nadal heaped praise on his young rival. “For sure, he did well and had a very good tournament. He had a very, very good victory over Xavier Malisse and I wish him all the best for the rest of the season,” Nadal said of the first Indian to make the last 16 of the Indian Wells event.