Credit: Google
India men’s tennis team scripted history in Biel on September 13, beating Switzerland by 3-1 in the final of the Davis Cup 2025 Group I tie. With this win, India have advanced to the Davis Cup 2026 Qualifiers. Sumit Nagal looked extraordinary and led India to their first overseas win in the competition against an European nation in 32 years. India’s last away success against an European team came in 1993, when the team defeated France. Nagal and Suresh Dhakineswar played a vital role in the victory as both clinched victories in their singles matches.
Sumit Nagal was exceptional against Henry Bernett and bagged a 6-1, 6-3 win in the conclusive fourth match of the tie. Earlier, the 28-year-old also won his opening singles match and bolstered India’s confidence with a 1-0 lead before Dhakineswar performed an upset against Switzerland’s Number 1 Jerome Kym, making it 2-0.
However, despite trailing in the match, Switzerland didn’t lose hope and displayed fighting spirit as Jakub Paul and Dominic Stricker beat N. Sriram Balaji and Rithvik Bollipalli 6-7(3), 6-4, 7-5 in a close doubles match, to trail by only one win. In the crunch situation, Nagal held his nerve and outclassed the defending Australian Open junior champion to help India emerged triumphant 3-1.
Sumit Nagal spoke on India’s remarkable success in Europe
Sumit Nagal revealed that it was a team effort that helped India attain the win. The Indian tennis star also revealed that he was wary of young players as they can surprise any player. "It has been a while for us to win in Europe. We all pushed each other a lot in the team. We are happy with the win. The doubles was tough. The level was very high. I was sweating more, watching the match from the sidelines. When I had to play the young guy, I knew he was good. Young ones are always tricky as you don't know how they play. I was happy with the way I played the match," remarked Nagal.
Nagal also expressed his feelings on his X handle. He wrote, “A feeling that cannot be described in words. What a team effort to take India to its away Davis Cup victory in Europe in 32 years. Proud of the whole team.” After beating the ninth-seeded Switzerland, India are now in the 37th spot in the Davis Cup points table.
