New Delhi: India pulled off an unlikely 3-2 win over the Netherlands to advance to Qualifiers Round 2 of Davis Cup but more importantly found a singles match-winning hero in Dhakshineswar Suresh that they longed for a long time.
Suresh, known as DK in tennis circles, won both his singles rubbers, including the decisive fifth one, and combined with Yuki Bhambri to win the doubles, similar to Leander Paes’ effort against Japan in 2004, a rare feat similar in the country’s history in the tournament.
Ranked 465, Suresh defeated Guy de Ouden 6-4 7-6 (4) in the deciding rubber, sealing the win with a forehand winner, capping off a rare back-to-back victories against European sides, having beaten Switzerland away last year.
The Netherlands are ranked sixth and paid for the absence of their top two singles players — World NO. 29 Tallon Griekspoor and world number 67 Botic van de Zandschulp as 33rd positioned made full use of it.
India progressed to the second round of the Qualifiers for the first time since the new Davis Cup format was introduced in 2019, and are likely to face Korea next in their aim of getting a step closer to the elite eight-team Finals.
When action resumed on Sunday, the tie was in the balance at 1-1. Indian surged ahead when Suresh and Bhambri outlasted David Pel and Sander Arends 7-6(0) 3-6, 7-6 (1).
But with Sumit Nagal’s 7-5 1-6 4-6 defeat to world number 88 Jesper de Jong in the reverse singles, having lost the opening singles, squared the tie again.
India’s hopes rested on the shoulders of the 25-year-old Suresh, who didn’t disappoint, renewing hopes of a brighter future after years of wallowing in mediocrity.