India is just one win away from sealing the tie and continuing their undefeated streak against Pakistan in the Davis Cup. Having started the day as overwhelming favorites, India was given a run for their money in the first match of the IND vs PAK Davis Cup 2024 World Group I Play-Offs.
India’s top-ranked player (461), Ramkumar Ramanathan, went toe-to-toe against Pakistan legend Aisam-Ul-Haq Qureshi. The match, which should have been a straightaway win, took a drastic turn when 43-year-old Qureshi took the first set. His incredible fightback did not stop there.
The unranked Pakistani took Ramanathan to another tiebreaker in the second set, but the Indian inched ahead. From there on, it was a one-way show as Ramanathan bageled Qureshi in the third set to give India a 1-0 lead.
Although not easy by any chance, India gained a 2-0 lead when N Sriram Balaji defeated Aqeel Khan in straight sets. The unranked players went at it in the first set, which was fairly close. However, Balaji ran away with the second set with two breaks.
IND vs PAK Davis Cup: Day 1 Tie Results
Match 1: Ramkumar Ramanathan beat Aisam-Ul-Haq Qureshi (6-7(3), 7-6(4), 6-0)
Match 2: N Sriram Balaji beat Aqeel Khan (7-5, 6-3)
IND vs PAK Davis Cup: Day 2 Preview
Having never lost a tie to Pakistan in 62-year Davis Cup history, it seems like India will seal the tie easily tomorrow. Despite not having Rohan Bopanna or Sumit Nagal (their top-ranked doubles and singles), the visitors have gained a 2-0 lead.
With one doubles and two singles scheduled for tomorrow, one can’t see Pakistan winning more than one match (doubles). With singles being their strong suit, both Ramanathan and Balaji should secure one win each, and Yuki Bhambri & Saketh Myneni can help India whitewash their arch-rivals.
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