A New Chapter: India’s tennis team has scripted a historic win, ending a 32-year drought for an away victory on European soil. The team triumphed over Roger Federer’s Switzerland with a decisive 3-1 victory in the Davis Cup World Group ‘One’ tie, earning them a coveted spot in the Davis Cup qualifiers for the first time.
The Hero of the Hour
The undisputed star of the tie was Sumit Nagal, who played a pivotal role in the victory by winning both of his singles matches. In a commanding performance, Nagal defeated young Swiss player Henry Burnett in straight sets, 6-1, 6-3, setting the tone for India’s success. He then sealed the victory in his second singles match, a testament to his skill and determination. Nagal’s contribution was so significant that he was rightly hailed as the architect of this historic win.
A Team Effort
While Nagal’s singles wins were crucial, the entire team contributed to the overall success. The doubles pair of N. Sriram Balaji and Rithvik Bolipalli fought valiantly in a tough three-set match against Jacob Paul and Dominic Stricker, ultimately losing 7-6 (3), 4-6, 5-7. Although a loss, their competitive spirit showed the depth of talent within the Indian team. Additionally, Dakshineswar Suresh played a key role by securing an important singles win, giving India a 2-0 lead early in the tie.
Breaking the Jinx
This victory is more than just a win; it’s a landmark moment for Indian tennis. The last time India defeated a European team on their home ground was back in 1993, when legends like Leander Paes and Ramesh Krishnan defeated France in the Davis Cup quarterfinals. While India had a recent win against Denmark in 2022, that match was played on home soil, making this away victory in Switzerland particularly special and a clear sign of progress.
Looking Ahead
The win has electrified the Indian tennis community and instilled new hope for the sport’s future in the country. Sumit Nagal encapsulated the team’s sentiment, stating, “We have won on European soil after a long time. We worked hard for this tie.” This hard work has paid off, as India will now move on to the first round of the Davis Cup qualifiers in January 2026. This victory marks a new and exciting chapter for Indian tennis on the global stage.
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