India advanced to the Davis Cup Qualifiers for the first time ever, as Sumit Nagal overcame aggressive teenager Henry Bernet in the first reverse singles, securing the team’s 3-1 victory over Switzerland
in the World Group I tie on Saturday.
Nagal entered the court following a tough doubles match where N Sriram Balaji and Rithvik Bollipalli narrowly lost 7-6 (3) 4-6 5-7 to Jakub Paul and Dominic Stricker in two hours and 26 minutes.
Initially scheduled to face Jerome Kym in the fourth rubber, Nagal instead confronted Bernet, the reigning junior Australian Open champion, in a do-or-die clash and triumphed 6-1 6-3.
India had started the day with a 2-0 lead after Friday’s inspiring singles victories by Nagal and debutant Dhakshineshwar Suresh.
This marked India’s first win over a European team in an away tie in 32 years, last achieved in the 1993 quarterfinals against France, led by Leander Paes and Ramesh Krishnan. India also defeated Denmark at home on grass courts in Delhi in 2022.
The first round of the Davis Cup Qualifiers will be held in January 2026.
Bernet’s aggressive approach led to numerous unforced errors, benefiting Nagal.
“It means a lot. It’s been a while since we won in Europe. We worked very hard to be here. We pushed each other, I am very happy with the win,” said Nagal. “Doubles was tough, the level of tennis was very high from both teams. I was sweating more on the sidelines than playing this match. The young ones are always tricky; you don’t know what’s coming your way,” he added.
Nagal’s return to Davis Cup since competing against Morocco in September 2023 proved impactful.
This victory is captain Rohit Rajpal’s first notable success since taking over from Mahesh Bhupathi in 2019, achieved on foreign soil. Under Rajpal, India had previously lost to Sweden, Denmark, Finland, Norway, and Croatia.
Rajpal’s bold decision to play reserve player Dhakshineshwar on the opening day was instrumental in the team’s memorable win.
The 18-year-old Bernet took some time to find his rhythm, initially dropping serve in the first game. Once settled, he hit freely but struggled with control. His single-handed backhand was particularly effective.
Nagal secured his second break when Bernet couldn’t handle a half volley at 30-all while charging the net, giving Nagal a 4-1 lead. Bernet’s forehand error granted Nagal his first set point, which was converted when Bernet committed a double fault.
Nagal broke again in the second set and maintained the advantage, closing the match when Bernet’s return went over the baseline.
Earlier, Balaji and left-handed Stricker served well initially, holding their serves without losing a point. Big serves followed by quick volley winners were common.
The Indians pressured Paul’s serve with thoughtful returns but the Swiss held after a deuce point.
India earned three break points on Stricker’s serve in game six, converting the third when Stricker hit a forehand into the net after a strong baseline exchange with Balaji.
Serving for the opening set, a forehand return error from Balaji at 30-all gave the Swiss a break chance, which Paul converted with a winner between the Indians.
The tight tie-breaker saw teams locked at 3-3 until Paul’s consecutive unforced errors turned it in India’s favour.
The second set was closely contested, with both teams tied at 4-4 through tough moments.
Balaji missed a volley at 30-all in game nine, losing a chance for a decisive breakpoint. Paul’s forehand return landed just wide on deuce, giving India a break chance soon, but Stricker’s forehand return barely kissed the baseline to stay in.
An intense battle followed, with six deuce points played, but Paul eventually held serve when Balaji’s return sailed over the baseline. Bollipalli was broken at love in the next game, making it one-set all.
Any early break gave India an advantage, but Bollipalli faced break point again when Paul found an angled winner at 30-30. The Indian held after pulling off aces on three deuce points.
Stricker found a service return winner on Balaji’s serve for a break chance, and a double fault by Balaji made it 3-3.
Serving to stay in the match, Bollipalli started with a double fault and followed with a backhand error. Paul’s forehand winner earned the hosts three match points, converting when Bollipalli’s return hit the net.
(With agency inputs)
