Bhubaneswar: India created tennis history by defeating Switzerland 3–1 in the Davis Cup World Group I tie, clinching a coveted spot in the 2026 Davis Cup Qualifiers. This remarkable triumph marks India’s first away win against a European team since their quarterfinal victory over France in 1993, breaking a 32-year drought on European soil.
Nagal Leads India To Glory
Top-ranked Indian player Sumit Nagal sealed the tie in style, overpowering Switzerland’s Henry Bernet 6-1, 6-3 in the reverse singles match. The Swiss camp opted for a late substitution, replacing Jerome Kym with the aggressive Bernet, but Nagal’s clinical performance left no room for an upset.
Swiss Resistance In Doubles
Earlier in the day, Switzerland struck back in the doubles rubber as Jakub Paul and Dominic Stricker edged out India’s N Sriram Balaji and Rithvik Bollipalli in a nail-biting contest. The Swiss duo won 7-6(3), 4-6, 7-5 after two hours and 26 minutes, reducing India’s lead to 2-1 and briefly keeping the hosts’ hopes alive.
Strong Start Sets The Tone
India had taken a commanding 2-0 lead on the opening day, thanks to Sumit Nagal’s victory over Stricker and debutant Dhakshineshwar Suresh’s spirited win over Jerome Kym. The early momentum proved decisive as India stayed in control throughout the tie.
Historic Moment For Indian Tennis
This win is not only a personal milestone for captain Rohit Rajpal but also a significant moment for Indian tennis, proving the team’s mettle in challenging European conditions. Nagal, playing his first Davis Cup tie since September 2023, delivered under pressure to spearhead the team’s success.
With this triumph, India advances confidently to the Davis Cup Qualifiers scheduled for January 2026, bringing renewed hope for a return to the elite World Group stage.
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