India’s Davis Cup campaign ends with a 1-3 loss to South Korea

India’s Sumit Nagal returns the ball to South Korea’s Hyeon Chung during the Davis Cup Qualifiers second round tennis match between South Korea and India in Seoul, South Korea. (AP Photo/Ahn Young-joon) India squandered a historic chance to become the first Asian nation to reach the Davis Cup 8 finals under the new format, losing 1-3 to South Korea in their 2nd round qualifier in Seoul on Saturday.After dropping both the opening singles matches, India fought back through Dhakshineswar Suresh and N Sriram Balaji who won the deciding doubles match to maintain the tie. But Sumit Nagal could not complete the comeback, losing 1-6, 2-6 to Korea’s top player Soonwoo Kwon.Kwon controlled the match from the start and put Nagal under pressure with his aggressive play. Nagal, who battled Hyeon Chung for three hours on the opening day, struggled to find the same energy and intensity in the heavy heat.

A win in the doubles gives India hope

India made a change to the doubles team after trailing 0-2, replacing Niki Poonacha with Dhakshineswar. The gamble worked as the Indian pair won 6-3, 3-6, 6-3.India started strongly, attacking Nam’s serve and putting the Korean under constant pressure. After several break chances, Balaji finally produced the winning volley to give India the first break.The Indians continued confidently and took the opening set. Korea battled back in the second but broke Balaji after a double fault to eventually equalize.The deciding set was even, with both teams fighting hard for every point. India finally found a breakthrough when Nam’s serve cracked under pressure. The Koreans were still fighting as Balaji came through on submission for the match.Dhakshineswar then produced two vital winners in the dying moments, including one for the match, to seal victory and keep India’s hopes alive.

Kwon ends India’s comeback

India needed Nagal to win the fourth rubber but Kwon never allowed him to settle. The Korean cruised through the first set 6-1 and stayed in control in the second, winning 6-2 to give Korea a historic victory.Korea became the first Asian team to reach the knockout stages of the Davis Cup since the competition changed its format.It was a disappointing end to a campaign for India that had promised a lot after their earlier win over the Netherlands. The team will now return to Qualifying Round 1 in 2027.Captain Rohit Rajpal’s final appearance in the Davis Cup could also be a draw. His contract runs until December 2026 and no extension has yet been announced.