Suresh stars with three wins as India seal historic Davis Cup triumph over Netherlands

Dhakshineswar Suresh’s Triple Win Sends India Through in Davis Cup

Dhakshineswar Suresh produced a match-winning masterclass to lead India to a thrilling 3-2 victory over the Netherlands in their Davis Cup World Group I tie on Sunday, securing a place in Qualifiers Round 2—the first time India have reached this stage under the revamped format introduced in 2019.

DK’s historic triple

Playing only his second Davis Cup tie, the 25-year-old—known as DK—claimed victories in both his singles matches and the doubles alongside Yuki Bhambri. Such a triple-win feat is rare in Indian Davis Cup history, drawing comparisons to Leander Paes’ iconic sweep against Japan in 2004.

Ranked 465 in the world, Dhakshineswar held his nerve in the decisive fifth rubber, defeating Guy de Ouden 6-4, 7-6(4) to become India’s unlikely hero. His match-winning forehand was followed by a jubilant celebration as teammates hoisted him on their shoulders, marking India’s second consecutive triumph over a European opponent after last year’s win in Switzerland.

Marathon doubles sets the tone

With the tie level at 1-1, Bhambri and Dhakshineswar battled David Pel and Sander Arends in a three-hour doubles rubber, eventually prevailing 7-6(0), 3-6, 7-6(1). After dominating the first-set tie-break and dropping the second, the Indian pair capitalised on a medical timeout for Arends to seize control in the decider.

Nagal falters, DK delivers under pressure

Sumit Nagal lost both his singles matches, including a long three-set defeat to Jesper de Jong in the reverse singles. With everything on the line, Dhakshineswar, unfazed by the day’s earlier marathon, showcased his big serve—striking 15 aces—and mental toughness to clinch the win in straight sets, sealing India’s passage to the next round.