Sumit Nagal Triumphs as India Clinches Victory Over Switzerland in Davis Cup

Mumbai: After a challenging period in singles, Indian tennis has found a source of hope in the picturesque Swiss town of Biel. In an inspiring display, the Indian team emerged victorious with a 3-1 win over the ninth-seeded Swiss team, right on their home turf, in the Davis Cup World Group I tie.

Not since 1993, when Ramesh Krishnan and Leander Paes led India to a 3-2 victory over France in Cannes, has the Indian team defeated a European side on their soil in Davis Cup. While that victory secured a place in the World Group quarter-final, this triumph elevates India to the World Group Qualifiers for next year.

The foundation for this remarkable achievement was laid by debutant Dhakshineswar Suresh and returning player Sumit Nagal, each securing wins against higher-ranked opponents, granting India a 2-0 lead on Friday. Despite N Sriram Balaji and Rithvik Bollipalli falling 7-6(3), 4-6, 5-7 in doubles against Jakub Paul and Dominic Stricker, Nagal sealed the victory by defeating 2025 Australian Open junior champion Henry Bernet 6-1, 6-3. This marked India’s first European-away victory in over three decades.

“This is certainly significant, defeating a European country away after so long,” said India captain Rohit Rajpal in an interview from Biel.

“This win is a tremendous boost for Indian tennis. It’s crucial that our players start believing they can overcome such opponents. There’s much work ahead to elevate Indian tennis, but we are on the right track.”

Rajpal made a strategic move by selecting Suresh, a 25-year-old out of the reserves, for the opening match. The 626th-ranked Indian stunned world No.155 Jerome Kym in two straight sets, 7-6(4), 6-3.

Suresh, who plays collegiate tennis for Wake Forest University in the USA, was in excellent form. Nearly two months prior, Rajpal reached out to him. Arranging his travel to Biel from Atlanta required convincing assistance from his college authorities and the Indian ministry for visa formalities.

During practice sessions, Suresh showcased the skills Rajpal hoped to utilize. This prompted Rajpal to field him over more ranked players like Aryan Shah and Karan Singh.

“For indoor play, I needed a big guy with a powerful game and serve,” explained Rajpal. “A guy like him at the net is formidable. Despite his 600s ranking and lack of Davis Cup experience, it was a risk worth taking.”

Suresh, though nervous after his debut match on Friday, focused on his strengths. “I assured him, ‘Stay focused, stay relaxed, and play to your potential,’” said Rajpal.

While Suresh’s bold performance started the campaign off strong, Nagal’s comeback played a crucial role in sealing the win.

Returning to Davis Cup after 2023, Nagal, who was in the world’s top 100 last year and is currently India’s No.1 in singles at 290, secured two victories. He defeated 222nd-ranked Marc-Andrea Huesler and promising teen Bernet in straight sets.

“It’s been a while since we had a win in Europe,” commented Nagal. “Our hard work paid off.”

Rajpal expressed the importance of Nagal’s return, saying, “Having Sumit back is invaluable. He’s resilient and tough, posing a challenge for any opponent.”

Rajpal hopes this memorable win inspires younger players within the team.

“We are in transition. That’s why I included a larger squad; to provide experience and confidence to young players like Aryan and Karan,” he concluded.