To the high-voltage rhythm of Eye of the Tiger and the deafening chants of "DK! DK!" at the S.M. Krishna Stadium, Indian tennis found its new lighthouse. Dhakshineswar Suresh, a 25-year-old communications student from Wake Forest University, orchestrated a nearly impossible 3-2 victory over the Netherlands in the Davis Cup Qualifiers Round 1.
While India’s No. 1 Sumit Nagal struggled with the physical toll of a recent injury, Suresh stepped into the breach with a "bazooka" serve that left the World No. 6-ranked Netherlands team searching for answers.
Decider: In the high-pressure fifth rubber against Guy den Ouden, Suresh hammered 15 aces to secure a 6-4, 7-6 win, pushing India into the second round of qualifiers for the first time since 2011.
Double duty: Just hours before his singles heroics on Sunday, Suresh replaced Sriram Balaji in the doubles, pairing with Yuki Bhambri to clinch a vital point in a three-set thriller.
Giant killer: His Saturday win over Jesper De Jong (No. 88) marked his first-ever victory over a Top-100 opponent, proving that his collegiate experience in the US has forged a professional-grade temperament.
I put my height to use and work on my strengths. When I get into crucial moments, I tell myself I did this a million times in training, so it is just another ball I am going to hit.
Dhakshineswar Suresh
India’s victory returns the nation to the elite tier of the global hierarchy. Lady Luck has continued to smile on the team, as they have drawn a favourable second-round tie.
Opponent: South Korea (Away)
Dates: September 18–20, 2026
Stakes: A win in Korea would see India join the top seven nations and host Italy in the Davis Cup Grand Finale in Bologna this November.
