India misplaced 3-1 to Denmark within the Davis Cup playoff tie, relegating the facet to World Group 2 of the competitors for the primary time for the reason that change in format in 2019.
It was World No. 9 Holger Roone who proved to be the distinction for Denmark. India’s daring group choice on day one paid off as Sumit Nagal managed to beat August Holmgren in three units on Friday to stage the rating at 1-1 following a 6-2, 6-2 defeat by Roone to Yuki Bhambri .
On Saturday, with a rating of even and doubles veteran Rohan Bopanna, contemporary from his run to the Australian Open combined doubles last, on his facet, India had the higher hand within the doubles rubber. However, as of their World Group 1 tie in opposition to Norway the earlier yr, a disappointing defeat adopted.
Bopanna and Bhambri partnered one another to face Roone, who had sunk on the final minute after Nagal’s singles win, and Johannes Ingildsson. Despite being the extra skilled and achieved pair, the pair misplaced in straight units.
Rooney and Ingildsson obtained off to an important begin, profitable 4 video games in a row, and did not look again for the remainder of the primary set. The Indian pair was damaged early within the second set as effectively, however shortly fought again to get again into the match, solely to lose the very subsequent recreation. The Danish pair received 6–2, 6–4 from there.
Roone as soon as once more led from the entrance, overcoming the fatigue of the doubles match, returning to the courtroom and taking part in Nagel within the decider for Denmark. He began brilliantly by breaking Nagal’s serve however misplaced his serve. The Indian participant was trying in good type, the shape he was in just a few years again when he was the final Indian singles participant to characteristic in the principle draw of a Grand Slam earlier than accidents derailed his 2022 season.
With a firing forehand and strong attacking technique, Nagal broke Roone within the fifth recreation of the primary set, however fell from there as Roone discovered one other gear. Nagal was damaged on serve within the first set after which went on to lose three video games in a row to lose the primary set.
He shortly discovered a approach to serve for Roon within the opening recreation of the second set, however didn’t convert two break factors. Roon did not look again from there, profitable 7–5, 6–3 – his third match within the tie – to propel Denmark again into World Group 1.
India will now play the winner of the World Group 2 playoff to be held in September.
Result:
day 1:
Hoger Rune def. Yuki Bhambri 6-2, 6-2
Sumit Nagal def. August Holmgren 4-6, 6-3, 6-4
Day 2:
Holger Rune / def. Rohan Bopanna/Yuki Bhambri 6-2, 6-4
Holger Rune def. Sumit Nagal 7-5, 6-4.
With inputs from TheIndianEXPRESS
