Davis Cup Surprise: Suresh Guides India Past Netherlands

Dhakshineswar Suresh delivered a weekend to remember, guiding India to a landmark Davis Cup victory over the Netherlands on Sunday in Bengaluru. Ranked No. 457 in the ATP, Suresh pulled off a stunning 6-4, 7-6(4) upset against No. 162 Guy Den Ouden, securing India’s 3-2 triumph in the first round of the 2026 Davis Cup qualifiers.

Suresh had already shocked the tennis world on Saturday by defeating World No. 88 Jesper de Jong in straight sets. He also teamed up with Yuki Bhambri on Sunday morning to clinch a tense doubles win, 7-6(0), 3-6, 7-6(1), over Sander Arends and David Pel, providing crucial momentum for India’s historic result.

This victory marks India’s third consecutive Davis Cup tie win for the first time since 2013-14. After defeating Togo and then stunning Switzerland in 2025 to reach the 2026 qualifiers, India has now overcome the 2024 finalist Netherlands to advance to the second round for the first time under the current format introduced in 2019.

Looking ahead, India will face South Korea in the next qualifying round. Hyeon Chung, the 2018 Australian Open semi-finalist, recently helped South Korea defeat Argentina 3-2 in Busan, despite struggling with ongoing injury issues.

Elsewhere in the qualifiers, several other nations advanced:

• USA cruised past Hungary 4-0, with Christian Harrison and Austin Krajicek sealing the decisive doubles point.
• Canada edged Brazil 3-2 after singles wins from Gabriel Diallo and Liam Draxl.
• France, led by Arthur Rinderknech, overcame Slovakia 3-1.
• Czechia, powered by Jiri Lehecka, defeated Sweden 3-1.
• Belgium blanked Bulgaria 4-0, while Ecuador stunned Australia, clinching a 3-0 lead with a doubles win from Gonzalo Escobar and Diego Hidalgo.

India’s breakthrough performance, powered by Suresh’s remarkable weekend, signals a new chapter in the nation’s Davis Cup journey as they aim for a place in November’s finals.