A resilient Somdev Devvarman saved a match point before wearing out German Michael Berrer in the opening round of the ATP Zagreb Indoor event on Wednesday.

The Indian overcame a poor start as he was dominated in the first set but eventually won 0-6, 7-6 (6), 4-1 when his German rival, world number 125, retired due to fatigue.

Somdev, known for playing long matches with a never-say-die spirit, kept Berrer in the match with his amazing retrieving ability.

Somdev, who is leading a players' revolt against the national federation, next plays fourth seed and world number 29 Austrian Jurgen Melzer in the euro 410,200 event.

It will be first meeting between the two players.

Photograph: Matthew Stockman/Getty Images