Davis Cup 2023: Sumit Nagal wins 2nd singles for India, makes it 1-1 against Denmark

After Yuki Bhambri lost the first singles to World No. 9 Holger Rune, Sumit Nagal pipped August Holmgren 4-6, 6-3, 6-4 in two hours and 27 minutes to make it 1-1 at the end of day one.

Published : Feb 04, 2023 12:44 IST

India’s Sumit Nagal returns the ball to Denmark’s August Holmgren during the Davis Cup match in Hilleroed, Denmark on Friday.
India’s Sumit Nagal returns the ball to Denmark’s August Holmgren during the Davis Cup match in Hilleroed, Denmark on Friday. | Photo Credit: AP
infoIcon

India’s Sumit Nagal returns the ball to Denmark’s August Holmgren during the Davis Cup match in Hilleroed, Denmark on Friday. | Photo Credit: AP

Sumit Nagal brought India back in the Davis Cup World Group Play-off tie against Denmark with a come-from-behind victory in the second singles after Yuki Bhambri was outplayed in the opening match.

It was always a tall task for Bhambri to counter world number nine Holger Rune and there was no surprise as Denmark’s top singles player raced to a 6-2, 6-2 win to put the host up 1-0 on Friday.

Up against a formidable rival, Yuki needed a special effort but he went down in mere 58 minutes.

Nagal though erased a one-set deficit to pip August Holmgren 4-6, 6-3, 6-4 in two hours and 27 minutes to make it 1-1 at the end of day one.

The 25-year-old Nagal, ranked 506, dropped serve in the very first game of the match but once he got hold of his nerves, he was his usual fighting self.

He got the break back but squandered the chances when Holmgren offered them. The Danish player, ranked 484, eventually sealed the set.

In the second set, it was Nagal who drew the first blood and went up 5-2. He served out the set in the ninth game to force a decider.

Nagal had a chance to get the first break when he made a deep return and Holmgren’s forehand return sailed over the baseline at 30-all but the home player served well to save the chance.

Nagal got another chance when Holmgren netted a forehand at deuce point in the third game but he himself made a forehand error on the breakpoint.

While Nagal preferred to hit from the baseline, Holmgren often charged the net often to create chances for volley winners.

Holmgren handed Nagal another break chance when he tried to pick a low volley but could not keep the ball in the court and followed that up with a double fault, allowing the Indian to take a mini 3-2 lead.

That lead stayed with Nagal and he came out serving for the match in the 10th game. Holmgren’s forehand error gave the Indian three match points and converted the first one on home team player’s unforced error.

On Saturday, doubles and reverse singles will be played. If India loses this tie, it will be relegated to World Group II.

Sign in to unlock all user benefits
  • Get notified on top games and events
  • Save stories to read later
  • Access to comment on every story
  • Sign up / manage to our newsletters with a single click
  • Get notified by email for early bird access to discounts & offers to our products
Sign in

Comments

Comments have to be in English, and in full sentences. They cannot be abusive or personal. Please abide to our community guidelines for posting your comment