Bengaluru: College student Dhakshineswar Suresh delivered a performance for the ages as India stunned World No. 6 Netherlands to book a place in the Davis Cup Qualifiers 2nd Round, under the lights in a gripping first-round tie on Sunday.
Suresh emerged as the hero of the contest, becoming the first Indian since Leander Paes in 2004 to win three matches in a single Davis Cup tie. His extraordinary effort also ensured India’s deepest run in the World Cup of Tennis in 15 years.
The 20-year-old Wake Forest University student set the tone on Saturday by earning India a crucial singles point against the Dutch team’s top-ranked player, Jesper De Jong. He returned on Sunday morning to team up with Yuki Bhambri in the doubles, where the Indian pair—playing together for the first time—produced an inspired display to defeat David Pel and Sander Arends 7-6(0), 3-6, 7-6(1) after three hours of intense tennis.
India, however, saw the tie levelled when De Jong defeated an injured Sumit Nagal 5-7, 6-1, 6-4 in the first reverse singles. Nagal played through a grade-two tear in his right thigh, a courageous effort that proved vital as it allowed Suresh time to recover before the decider.
Ranked World No. 457, Suresh then returned to court for the decisive rubber against Guy Den Ouden. Displaying remarkable composure, he broke serve in the opening set and served it out to love. The second set went down to a tie-break, where Suresh raised his game to seal a famous 6-4, 7-6(4) victory, collapsing to the court in celebration as the home crowd erupted.
“It’s just a different feeling when you’re playing for your country,” Suresh said after the win. “You’re not playing for yourself, you’re playing for the whole nation.”
Captain Rohit Rajpal praised the youngster’s confidence and fighting spirit, especially after selecting him for doubles duty ahead of seasoned campaigners.
Bhambri, too, lauded Suresh’s fearless approach and firepower. India will now travel to face Korea Republic away in September in the Qualifiers 2nd Round, with a place at the season-ending Davis Cup Final 8 in Bologna on the line.
Source: Davis Cup
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