India's Dhakshineswar Suresh Makes History with Heroic Davis Cup Performance Against Netherlands

India completed a remarkable comeback victory over the Netherlands in the Davis Cup 2026 Qualifiers first round, winning 3-2 at the SM Krishna Tennis Stadium in Bengaluru. The tie, which concluded on February 9, 2026, saw 23-year-old Dhakshineswar Suresh deliver one of the most memorable performances in recent Indian tennis history.

Suresh became the first Indian player since the legendary Leander Paes in 2004 to win all three matches in a Davis Cup tie. He defeated world number 88 Jesper de Jong 6-4, 7-5 in the opening singles match, partnered with Yuki Bhambri to claim the doubles rubber 7-6(7-0), 3-6, 7-6(7-1) against Sander Arends and David Pel, and clinched the deciding singles match against Guy den Ouden 6-4, 6-4, 7-6(7-4). In the final match, Suresh served an impressive 15 aces to seal India's progression to the second round.

The tie began poorly for India when top-ranked singles player Sumit Nagal lost his opening match to Guy den Ouden 0-6, 6-4, 3-6, putting immediate pressure on the home team. Suresh responded immediately with his straight-sets victory over de Jong to level the tie at 1-1 after day one. The doubles match on day two proved crucial, with Suresh and Bhambri saving multiple set points in both tiebreaks to give India a 2-1 lead.

When Nagal fell again on day two, losing to Jesper de Jong 5-7, 6-1, 6-4, the tie was level at 2-2 and India's hopes rested entirely on Suresh's shoulders in the deciding rubber. The young Indian showed remarkable composure under pressure, dominating with his serve and maintaining aggressive baseline play throughout the match. His performance drew comparisons to Paes's legendary 2004 display against Japan, when the Olympic bronze medalist also swept all three matches in a crucial Davis Cup tie.

India's captain praised Suresh's mental fortitude and physical conditioning, noting that playing three matches in two days requires exceptional fitness and focus. The victory means India advances to face South Korea in the Davis Cup Qualifiers second round, keeping their dreams of reaching the World Group alive. For Suresh, who has been steadily climbing the ATP rankings over the past year, this performance represents a potential breakthrough moment in his career.

The home crowd of over 3,000 fans at the SM Krishna Tennis Stadium provided passionate support throughout the tie, creating an atmosphere that clearly energized the Indian team. Tennis officials have hailed the venue choice as perfect, with the home advantage playing a significant role in India's comeback. The team will now have several weeks to prepare for their next challenge against South Korea, with Suresh emerging as a genuine match-winner alongside the more experienced members of the squad.