Could this be a breakthrough moment for Indian tennis? Pant celebrates India's Davis Cup qualifier victory over the Netherlands
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New Delhi, Feb 9 (NationPress) Indian wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant praised the Indian men's tennis squad for their remarkable victory in the Davis Cup Qualifiers 1st Round against the Netherlands. Dhakshineswar Suresh played a pivotal role in leading India past the world No. 6 Netherlands during an exhilarating match on Sunday night in Bengaluru. This triumph secures India's spot in the second round of the Qualifiers in September, where they will aim for a place in the eight-team Davis Cup Finals.
“A tremendous achievement for Indian tennis in the Davis Cup Qualifiers. Overcoming the Netherlands and advancing to the next round showcases incredible determination. Well done, team!” Pant shared on X.
After clinching a point for India against the Dutch team's highest-ranked player, Jesper De Jong, in Saturday’s singles, Suresh partnered with Yuki Bhambri for the doubles against David Pel and Sander Arends.
In their first match together, the Indian duo delivered a stellar performance, securing a 7-6(0), 3-6, 7-6(1) victory after a grueling three-hour contest, giving India the lead in the tie for the first time.
India required Sumit Nagal to triumph in the first reverse singles for an overall win, but De Jong fought back to win 5-7, 6-1, 6-4, leveling the match. Nagal notably played through a grade two tear in his right thigh, showing immense courage and allowing his teammate crucial recovery time.
World No. 457 Suresh returned for the decisive match against the less fatigued Guy Den Ouden. Despite some struggles with his first serve, Den Ouden managed to finish with 15 aces, winning without facing a break point.
With this performance, Suresh became the first Indian to win three matches in a Davis Cup tie since Leander Paes in 2004, marking India’s most significant progress in the World Cup of Tennis since their last 16 elimination by defending champions Serbia 15 years ago.