Chennai, Sep 21 - India's qualification to the Davis Cup World Group after 11 years shows that tennis is going through an exciting phase and there is more to follow, says former Davis Cup captain Ramesh Krishnan.

After India's sensational 4-1 win against South Africa in Johannesburg over the weekend, Krishnan tipped Somdev Devvarman for greater things.

'It is very exciting to be back in the World Group. Somdev Devvarman has shown excellent temperament for Davis Cup by winning two crucial singles matches and he is definitely a big prospect for the future,' Krishnan told IANS Monday.

Krishnan also heaped praise on Rohan Bopanna who won the crucial singles match on the first day and 17-year old World No.1 junior Yuki Bhambri, who made a successful Davis Cup debut by clinching the second reverse singles.

'I wouldn't like to jump the gun, but we need to appreciate the performances of even Mahesh Bhupathi in the doubles. Overall, a fantastic performance,' said Krishnan.

Further, he hoped that Somdev would gain another '40-50 slots' so that he can get direct entries rather than having to go through the qualifying process for top tournaments.

'Somdev definitely has the potential and the fitness level and is mentally very strong. He needs to get himself another 40-50 positions in the rankings, so that he can get direct entries into the main draw of the big tournaments,' he said.

On Bhambri, Krishnan was understandably cautious. 'Yes, he is just 17 and has the potential, but we need to wait and see how he develops from here on,' he opined.