India’s Davis Cup team made history on Saturday, winning in Europe for the first time in 32 years.
Led by talisman Sumit Nagal, the Indian squad defeated Switzerland by three victories to one, securing their place in the Davis Cup qualifiers for next year’s tournament.
Nagal and Suresh Dhakshineswar set India on the right path, claiming victory in the first two singles matches.
Switzerland fought back, winning a tight three-set doubles contest to move within one victory of their Indian opponents.
However, Nagal closed out the contest by winning the fourth rubber, defeating Henry Bernet 6-1 6-3.
Following the contest, Nagal expressed his delight on social media.
Sumit Nagal says victory is a ‘feeling that cannot be described with words’
India have proved themselves worthy Davis Cup competitors in the past, and this was no less true on Saturday evening.
After emerging victorious at the Swiss Tennis Arena in Biel, Switzerland, Sumit Nagal – ranked 290 on the ATP Tour – took to social media to vocalise his feelings.
On X [Twitter] Nagal said: “A feeling that cannot be described in words.
“What a team effort to take India to its [first] away Davis Cup victory in Europe in 32 years. Proud of the whole team.”
India have finished runner-up three times in the competition: in 1966, 1974 and 1987. In their last final appearance, the country was comprehensively beaten by Sweden – a team led by superstar Mats Wilander.
The Indian team will have another shot at a maiden title in 2026, when they compete in the Davis Cup qualifiers.
The last time India won in Europe
In 1993, an Indian squad headlined by the phenomenal Leander Paes and former junior Wimbledon champion Ramesh Krishnan defeated Switzerland in the round of 16.
The team then faced France in the 1993 Davis Cup quarter-finals.
The opening two singles rubbers were split, before France took a commanding 2-1 lead after Arnaud Boetsch and Henri Leconte’s victory in the doubles match.
However, India fought back. Paes defeated Boetsch in straight sets, before Krishnan battled from two-sets-to-one down versus Rodolphe Gilbert to win a five-set thriller.
India faced Australia in the semi-finals, losing 0-5.
