India Ends 32-Year Wait, Beats Switzerland to Qualify for 2026 Davis Cup Qualifiers
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India’s men’s tennis team scripted history in Biel, Switzerland, by defeating the host nation 3-1 in their Davis Cup 2025 World Group I tie, thereby earning a berth in the 2026 Davis Cup Qualifiers — a feat not achieved in Europe since 1993.
The winning moment came in the fourth rubber when Sumit Nagal dominated 18-year-old Henry Bernet 6-1, 6-3 to seal the tie. The journey to that point began with a strong start: newcomer Dhakshineswar Suresh stunned Swiss No. 1 Jerome Kym in straight sets, and Nagal himself had already secured a singles win on Day 1, giving India a 2-0 lead.
Switzerland stayed alive by taking the doubles match — Jakub Paul and Dominic Stricker edged out India’s N. Sriram Balaji and Rithvik Bollipalli in a tight three-setter (6-7(3), 6-4, 7-5). But the decisive reverse singles favored India, thanks to Nagal’s composed play against Bernet.
This victory carries extra weight: it’s India’s first away win over a European team in 32 years (the previous one being against France in 1993) and their first qualification for the Davis Cup Qualifiers from Europe in such a long span.
As India now looks ahead to the 2026 Davis Cup Qualifiers, the performance in Switzerland will be remembered as a turning point — showcasing depth, grit, and a promising mix of emerging talent and experience under captain Rohit Rajpal.
