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Bengaluru, February 9:
Dhakshineswar Suresh produced a match-winning performance as India defeated the Netherlands 3-2 in the Davis Cup Qualifiers Round 1 at the SM Krishna Tennis Stadium in Bengaluru.
India’s win now takes them into the Qualifiers 2nd Round in September, where they will fight for a place in the eight-team Davis Cup Finals, according to an official release.
Suresh Seals India’s Victory in Decisive Fifth Rubber
In the deciding fifth rubber, Suresh beat Guy Den Ouden 6-4, 7-6 (4).
He served 15 aces and stayed calm under pressure. Suresh broke his opponent in the seventh game to win the first set.
The second set turned into a tense battle. Both players held serve until 6-6. Suresh then dominated the tie-break and sealed the match.
India Takes 2-1 Lead After Doubles Win
The day started with the tie level at 1-1.
In the doubles match, Dhakshineswar Suresh and Yuki Bhambri defeated David Pel and Sander Arends 7-6(0), 3-6, 7-6(1).
The victory gave India a 2-1 lead.
Jesper de Jong Beats Sumit Nagal to Make It 2-2
Netherlands fought back in the fourth rubber.
Jesper de Jong came from behind to beat Sumit Nagal 5-7, 6-1, 6-4. The win levelled the tie at 2-2.
Captain Rohit Rajpal Praises Sumit Nagal
Indian captain Rohit Rajpal praised Sumit Nagal for showing leadership despite playing with an injury.
“It’s been a difficult 10 days with our number one player suffering from an injury. This is not even 50 per cent of Sumit Nagal. But my compliments to him, he fought like a tiger and led the team like the India number one should,” Rajpal said.
Rajpal Calls Suresh His “Trump Card”
Rajpal also praised Suresh for contributing to three wins in the tie.
“He is my trump card that I keep pulling out every time and it works every time,” the captain said.
Suresh Credits His Height and Serving Consistency
Suresh said he works hard on his serving and uses his height to his advantage.
“I have to put my height to use, being 6’6. I must work on my strengths and make the most of it,” he said.
He added that consistency helps him in crucial match moments.
“When I get into crucial moments, I tell myself I have done this a million times. So it’s just another ball,” Suresh said.
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