Dhakshineswar Suresh put in a performance for the ages, claiming all three rubbers he played to guide India to a memorable 3-2 win over the Netherlands in a Davis Cup World Group I match on Sunday. The 25-year-old’s heroics sealed India’s place in the 2nd round of the qualifiers, the first time since the start of the new Davis Cup format in 2019 that the hosts have reached this stage.
A rare feat with a triple win
Dhakshineswar – affectionately known as DK – was playing only his second Davis Cup tie – winning both his singles matches and teaming up with Yuki Bhambri to take the doubles, a feat rarely seen in India’s Davis Cup history. His performance evoked memories of Leander Paese’s legendary effort against Japan in 2004as Paes swept all three matches to single-handedly lead India to victory.
More than two decades later, Dhakshineswar, ranked a lowly 465th in the world, produced a similarly defining display. He overcame immense pressure in the decisive fifth rubber against
Guy de Ouden won 6-4, 7-6(4) to become India’s new Davis Cup hero.
A winning moment
When Dhakshineswar hit the winning forehand, he collapsed on his back in utter relief and joy. His teammates rushed to hug him before lifting him onto their shoulders to celebrate a rare triumph over European opposition. India beat Switzerland in their own backyard last yearand this victory continued at this pace.
Scenes from India’s historic win at home as they beat Netherlands 3-2 in epic encounter
Dhakshineswar Suresh beat Guy Ouden 6-4, 7-6 (4) to help his nation advance to the 2nd round of qualifying #DavisCup pic.twitter.com/8f5hhZ4KlD— Davis Cup (@DavisCup) February 8, 2026
The Netherlands were without their top two singles players – world No. 29 Tallon Griekspoor and world No. 67 Botic van de Zandschulp – giving India, ranked 33rd in the Davis Cup, a fighting chance against the world No.6 team. They grabbed him with both hands.
A marathon doubles set up the victory
Tied 1-1 at the start of the day, Bhambri and Dhakshineswar overcame David Pelo and Sander Arends in a grueling three-hour doubles match to win 7-6(0), 3-6, 7-6(1) to give India a 2-1 lead.
The opening set was exciting, with both pairs holding serve until the tie-break, where the Indians raced to a commanding lead without losing a point.
The Netherlands hit back in the second set, capitalizing on Bhambri’s effort on serve to level the match. The umpire became a war of attrition with India creating several break opportunities that went begging. The turning point came when Arends took a medical timeout to treat his left hand. From there, his delivery lost its effectiveness, allowing India to take control and close out the match.
Nagal Falls Short, DK Steps Up
Sumit Nagal, who was leading by one set, lost 7-5, 1-6, 4-6 to world number 88 Jesper de Jong in a grueling singles match that lasted nearly three hours. It was Nagal’s second defeat in the tie as he also lost the opening singles match.
Captain Rohit Rajpal’s ‘trump card’ was delivered with all due respect. Despite spending nearly three hours on court in the doubles, Dhakshineswar showed no signs of fatigue at the umpire.
His big serve – 15 aces in total – proved unstoppable as he clinched the opening set and held his nerve in a tight second-set tie-break to complete a stunning victory and secure India’s place in the next round.
– The end
Issued by:
Amar Panicker
Published on:
February 8, 2026
