India missed a historic chance to become the first Asian nation to reach the Davis Cup Final 8 under the new format, losing 1-3 to South Korea in the Qualifier Round 2 tie in Seoul on Saturday.After dropping both opening singles, India fought back through Dhakshineswar Suresh and N Sriram Balaji, who won a crucial doubles match to keep the tie alive. But Sumit Nagal could not complete the comeback, losing 1-6, 2-6 to Korea’s top player Soonwoo Kwon.Kwon controlled the match from the start, putting Nagal under pressure with his aggressive play. Nagal, who had battled Hyeon Chung for three hours on the opening day, struggled to find the same energy and intensity in the difficult heat.
Doubles win gives India hope
India had made a change to the doubles team after going 0-2 down, replacing Niki Poonacha with Dhakshineswar. The gamble worked as the Indian pair won 6-3, 3-6, 6-3.India started strongly, attacking Nam’s serve and putting the Koreans under constant pressure. After several break chances, Balaji finally produced a volley winner to give India the first break.The Indians continued confidently and took the opening set. Korea fought back in the second, however, breaking Balaji after a double fault and eventually levelling the match.The deciding set was tightly fought, with both teams fighting hard for every point. India finally found the breakthrough when Nam’s serve cracked under pressure. The Koreans were still fighting when Balaji stepped up to serve for the match.Dhakshineswar then produced two important winners in the final moments, including one on match point, to seal the victory and keep India’s hopes alive.
Kwon ends India’s comeback
India needed Nagal to win the fourth rubber, but Kwon never allowed him to settle. The Korean raced through the first set 6-1 and remained in control in the second, winning 6-2 to give Korea a historic victory.Korea became the first Asian team to reach the Davis Cup knockout stage since the competition changed its format.For India, it was a disappointing end to a campaign that had promised much after their earlier win over the Netherlands. The team will now return to the Qualifier Round 1 in 2027.The tie could also be captain Rohit Rajpal’s final Davis Cup appearance. His contract runs until December 2026, and no extension has been announced yet.
