Biel (Switzerland), Sep 13: India progressed to the Davis Cup Qualifiers for the first time ever after Sumit Nagal tamed aggressive teenager Henry Bernet in the first reverse singles to script the team’s 3-1 win over Switzerland in the World Group I tie, here Saturday.
Nagal took the court after N Sriram Balaji and Rithvik Bollipalli lost a tight doubles rubber 7-6 (3), 4-6, 5-7 to Jakub Paul and Dominic Stricker in two hours and 26 minutes.
Nagal was supposed to take on Jerome Kym in the fourth rubber but the Swiss team fielded reigning junior Australian Open champion Bernet for their do-or-die clash, which the Indian won 6-1, 6-3.
India had started the day with 2-0 advantage following Friday’s inspiring singles wins by Nagal and debutant Dhakshineshwar Suresh.
This is India’s first win over a European side in an away tie in 32 years after they had beaten France in the quarterfinals way back in 1993 when Leander Paes and Ramesh Krishnan led the team to a rare win.
India beat Denmark, though, at home on grass court in 2022 in Delhi.
The first round of the Davis Cup Qualifiers will be held in January 2026.
Bernet’s aggressive tactics meant that he ended up with a high number of unforced errors that helped the Indian.
“It means a lot. It’s been a while that 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 was playing his first Davis Cup tie since competing against Morocco in September 2023 and his presence made a difference.
This is captain Rohit Rajpal’s first significant win since taking over the reins from Mahesh Bhupathi in 2019 as it came on the foreign soil. India lost to Sweden, Denmark, Finland, Norway and Croatia under Rajpal.
Rajpal’s bold move to play reserve player Dhakshineshwar on the opening day also played a crucial role in team’s memorable win.
The 18-year-old Bernet took some time to find his rhythm as he dropped serve in the very first game of the match but once he got into the groove, Bernet began to hit freely, though he lacked control. His single-handed backhand which he used very effectively to hit winners on corners was a treat to watch.
Nagal got his second break chance when 18-year-old Bernet could not pick up a half volley at 30-all while charging the net. Bernet’s backhand flew over the baseline, giving Nagal a commanding 4-1 lead.
Bernet’s forehand error have Nagal his first set point which got converted when the Swiss player committed a double fault.
Nagal drew the first blood again in the second set, and that advantage stayed with the Indian who closed the match when a Bernet return flew over the baseline. (PTI)
