India register historic 3–2 win over Netherlands to advance to 2nd round of Davis Cup Qualifiers

In Tennis, India stormed into the second round of Davis Cup Qualifiers with a historic 3-2 win over World Number 6 Netherlands in Bengaluru yesterday. Dhakshineswar Suresh delivered a heroic performance, winning both his singles matches and teaming up with Yuki Bhambri to claim the doubles.
 
In the deciding rubber, Suresh beat Guy de Ouden 6-4, 7-6 to seal victory, earning a celebration reminiscent of Leander Paes’ heroics in 2004. Earlier, India had taken a 2-1 lead after Suresh and Bhambri won a marathon doubles match 7-6, 3-6, 7-6. However, Sumit Nagal lost both his singles matches.
 
This is the first time India have made it to the second round of the Qualifiers since the new Davis Cup format was launched in 2019, getting a step closer to the elite eight-team Finals to contest for the title. India will be up against South Korea in the second round of the Davis Cup 2026 Qualifiers, scheduled to be held in September.