It proved to be a happy tale of a debutant and the return of a prodigal son as a reinvigorated India took a decisive 2-0 lead after the opening day’s singles in the World Group I tie against Switzerland in Biel on Friday. Dhakshineswar Suresh, promoted from reserve, delivered a stunning performance to beat World No. 155 Jerome Kym 7-6 (5), 6-3 and put India ahead before Sumit Nagal stepped up to double the lead at the Swiss Tennis Arena, located on Roger Federer Allee. The 28-year-old Nagal skipped the previous three ties, most controversially the World Group I tie last year against Sweden, which India lost 0-4. But the former World No. 68 showed none of the bitterness as he put on a professional display to tame southpaw Marc-Andrea Huesler 6-3, 7-6 (4). India faltered six times at this stage of the team competition since 2021. Now, they are one match win away from advancing to the Qualifiers next year.
Suresh is three years older and, at 621, ranked 466 rungs lower than the home favourite. The Indian, standing 6 ft 5 in, proved to be a little more solid. Not only did he win more points on his first and second serves, the Indian unleashed his weapon when it mattered the most, averting seven breakpoints. On the other hand, Kym failed to keep his nerve.
