Bengaluru witnessed tennis history as Dakshineshwar Suresh led India to a stunning 3-2 defeat of Netherlands, the world’s sixth-ranked team, in the Davis Cup World Group I play-offs. With this victory, India advances to the September qualifiers’ second round, joining the fight for Davis Cup Finals berths among elite nations.
The weekend belonged to Suresh. His Saturday singles masterclass against Jesper de Jong handed India the early edge. Sunday brought more magic in doubles alongside Yuki Bhambri—their first pairing together overcame Pel and Arends in a tense three-setter: 7-6(0), 3-6, 7-6(1). The marathon match swung back and forth, but India’s duo held firm.
Tension peaked in reverse singles. Sumit Nagal, nursing a serious thigh injury, pushed de Jong to the brink before losing 5-7, 6-1, 6-4, leveling the score at 2-2.
Undeterred, Suresh stepped up for the decider, dismantling Guy Den Ouden in straight sets. This feat echoes Leander Paes’ 2004 heroics, making Suresh the second Indian to claim three wins in one tie. It’s India’s best Davis Cup performance in over a decade and a half, signaling a bright horizon for Indian tennis.
Cricketer Rishabh Pant joined the praise parade on social media: ‘Huge win for Indian tennis! Beating Netherlands to qualify takes real courage. Well played, lads.’
As celebrations continue, this triumph boosts morale and spotlights untapped potential in India’s tennis ranks.