India produced a memorable Davis Cup comeback on Sunday as Dhakshineswar Suresh sealed a dramatic 3-2 win over the Netherlands in Bengaluru, sending the hosts into Qualifiers Round 2 for the first time since the revamped format was introduced in 2019. The victory moves India a step closer to the elite eight-team Davis Cup Finals.
Playing only his second Davis Cup tie, the 25-year-old Dhakshineswar, fondly known as DK, emerged as the standout performer of the contest. Ranked 465 in the world, he shouldered the pressure in the deciding fifth rubber and defeated Guy de Ouden 6-4, 7-6 (4). As he struck the winning forehand, Dhakshineswar fell on his back in disbelief before being lifted on teammates’ shoulders in celebration.
Dhakshineswar’s rare three-match sweep
Dhakshineswar capped a remarkable tie by winning all three matches he played: both singles rubbers and the crucial doubles alongside Yuki Bhambri. The feat is rare in Indian Davis Cup history and recalls Leander Paes’ iconic performance against Japan in 2004, when Paes single-handedly won two singles and the doubles to clinch the tie.
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India had earlier taken a 2-1 lead after Bhambri and Dhakshineswar edged past David Pel and Sander Arends in a gripping doubles encounter, winning 7-6 (0), 3-6, 7-6 (1). The match turned after Arends took a medical timeout for a left-hand injury, which reduced the effectiveness of the Dutch serve and allowed the Indians to close it out.
Nagal falters, India finish strong
Sumit Nagal had India on the brink of victory but lost momentum in the reverse singles, going down 7-5, 1-6, 4-6 to world number 88 Jesper de Jong after nearly three hours on court. It was Nagal’s second defeat of the tie.
INDIA STUNNED WORLD NO.6 IN DAVIS CUP!
— The Khel India (@TheKhelIndia) February 8, 2026
Dhakshineswar Suresh defeated Den Ouden 6-4 7-6(4) to help India secure a Historic Win ????????
THIS IS REALLY HUGE FOLKS! ???????????? pic.twitter.com/VLh6i0spNo
Despite missing their top players, Tallon Griekspoor and Botic van de Zandschulp, the Netherlands entered as the world’s sixth-ranked Davis Cup team. India, ranked 33rd, capitalised on the opportunity and now looks set to face Korea next.
Who is Dhakshineswar Suresh?
Born in Madurai, Tamil Nadu, Dhakshineswar Suresh represents a shift from the traditional Indian tennis mould. Instead of the classic “touch-and-volley” approach, he plays a modern, power-based game built around a heavy forehand and strong court coverage.
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Suresh’s journey to the Davis Cup was unconventional. He honed his skills at Wake Forest University in the United States, where the college tennis system helped shape both his physical endurance and mental toughness. Competing in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC), he emerged as a consistent top performer, earning All-American honours and preparing himself for the demands of professional tennis.
In December 2023, he grabbed national attention by defeating former world number one Daniil Medvedev at the World Tennis League in Bengaluru, one of the biggest upsets by an Indian player in recent years.
