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Dhakshineswar Leads India’s Historic Davis Cup Final 8 Bid
India and South Korea are playing an important Davis Cup tennis tie in Seoul.
The winner will move closer to reaching the Final 8.
Dhakshineswar Suresh will play Soonwoo Kwon first for India.
The court is slow and does not make the ball bounce very high, which may make Dhakshineswar’s powerful style harder to use.
Sumit Nagal will then face Hyeon Chung, a former top-20 player who has returned after injuries.
India’s doubles team includes N Sriram Balaji and Niki Poonacha.
Poonacha joined the team after Yuki Bhambri withdrew with an injury.
Both countries won their previous ties by 3-2.
The matches will test which team performs best under pressure.
India faces South Korea in a Qualifier Round 2 tie in Seoul, seeking a first Final 8 appearance under the current format.
Dhakshineswar Suresh will open against South Korea’s top-ranked player, Soonwoo Kwon, on a slow, low-bouncing court.
Sumit Nagal will play former world No. 19 Hyeon Chung in the second singles match.
India’s N Sriram Balaji and late replacement Niki Poonacha will meet Uisung Park and Jisung Nam in doubles.
Both teams advanced with 3-2 victories in the previous round, with India beating the Netherlands and Korea defeating Argentina.
- Who
- India and South Korea, including singles players Dhakshineswar Suresh, Soonwoo Kwon, Sumit Nagal and Hyeon Chung.
- What
- A Davis Cup Qualifier Round 2 tie for a place in the Final 8.
- Where
- Seoul, South Korea.
- When
- The singles matches are scheduled for Friday, followed by doubles and additional singles matches on Saturday; the report is dated September 17.
- Why
- Both teams are seeking their first Davis Cup Final 8 appearance under the current format.
India’s Case
South Korea’s Case
Singles momentum
India’s Case
Dhakshineswar won all three rubbers in India’s 3-2 victory over the Netherlands, while Sumit Nagal says he is feeling better and ready to compete.
South Korea’s Case
Soonwoo Kwon won both singles matches in South Korea’s victory over Argentina, and Hyeon Chung brings experience from reaching world No. 19 and the 2018 Australian Open semifinal.
Doubles advantage
India’s Case
India has the higher-profile doubles combination, with N Sriram Balaji ranked 49 and Niki Poonacha having won six Challengers this season.
South Korea’s Case
Uisung Park and Jisung Nam provide a capable challenge, ranked 241 and 112 respectively, while Poonacha’s late arrival could add difficulty for India.
Surface and conditions
India’s Case
India must adapt to a slow, low-bouncing court that offers less of the bounce Sumit Nagal prefers and limits Dhakshineswar’s attacking game.
South Korea’s Case
South Korea resurfaced the court and will host the tie in conditions that may test India’s preferred styles.
Key facts
- Opening singles
- Dhakshineswar Suresh vs Soonwoo Kwon
- Second singles
- Sumit Nagal vs Hyeon Chung
- Doubles
- N Sriram Balaji/Niki Poonacha vs Uisung Park/Jisung Nam
- India’s previous round
- 3-2 victory over the Netherlands
- South Korea’s previous round
- 3-2 comeback victory over Argentina
- Court conditions
- Slow and low-bouncing, with balls expected to become heavy and fluffy
- Davis Cup milestone
- Both teams are seeking a first Final 8 appearance under the current format
Quotes
Dhakshineswar Suresh
Indian tennis player and opening singles competitor
“I have been doing this for a couple of years now, landing in a country and competing two hours after arrival. Getting used to conditions will not be an issue.”
theprint.in
rediff.com
“I have seen Kwon on the Challenger Tour. He’s a good player; the captain and coaches have also seen his matches. I am ready for it.”
theprint.in
rediff.com
Sumit Nagal
India’s No. 1 singles player
“I’m going to go on the court, give my best, fight and die for the balls. No question about that. I’m feeling better since last month and I’m happy and excited to play the matches.”
theprint.in
rediff.com
Sources
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