Rohit Rajpal, the captain of India’s Davis Cup team, did not hold back his frustration after his team’s 4-0 defeat to Sweden in the World Group 1 match of the Davis Cup 2024. In the post-match press conference, Rajpal lashed out at those questioning his leadership, telling his critics to “shut up” when it comes to doubting his abilities as captain.
India’s loss to Sweden on Sunday, September 15, marked the nation’s sixth straight defeat against the European side in Davis Cup history. After the loss, India will now head to the World Group I Play-offs next year, while Sweden has advanced to the 2025 Qualifiers.
Tough day for Indian Tennis at Davis Cup
The tie was already out of India’s hands when the pair of N Sriram Balaji and Ramkumar Ramanathan lost in straight sets, 3-6, 4-6, to Filip Bergevi and Andre Goransson. Despite showing some promise early in the match, the Indian duo was broken at crucial moments, and their efforts fell short.
With the defeat in the doubles match, Sweden secured an unassailable 3-0 lead. Ramkumar Ramanathan, originally scheduled to play the fourth singles match, withdrew due to injury, and was replaced by Siddharth Vishwakarma. Unfortunately for India, Vishwakarma couldn’t find his rhythm and was defeated 2-6, 2-6 by Sweden’s Elias Ymer, finalising the 4-0 scoreline.
Rohit Rajpal defends his captaincy role
In response to criticism, particularly from within the Indian tennis community, Rajpal stood firm. “I’ve had enough of people doubting my abilities. They need to shut up,” Rajpal said in an unusually candid statement. The captain, who has faced scrutiny following recent losses, was clearly frustrated after India’s early exit.
The Indian team, missing top players Yuki Bhambri and Sumit Nagal, struggled throughout the competition. Rajpal acknowledged the challenges, but emphasised his confidence in his leadership and the team’s potential.
Path to redemption ahead?
Despite the disappointing result, India still has a chance to regroup in the World Group I Play-offs next year. With the absence of key players in this tie, there is hope that a full-strength team could bring better results in the future.
Rohit Rajpal’s outburst signals a strong message of defiance, as he continues to lead India’s Davis Cup journey with the goal of bouncing back from this difficult defeat. For now, India’s Davis Cup team must reflect, rebuild, and focus on the upcoming challenges.
Davis Cup 2024 India vs Sweden tennis scores and results
- Match 1: N Sriram Balaji (IND) lost to Elias Ymer (SWE) 6-4, 6-2
- Match 2: Ramkumar Ramanathan (IND) lost to Leo Borg (SWE) 6-3, 6-4
- Match 3: Ramkumar Ramanathan/N Sriram Balaji lost to Filip Bergevi/Andre Goransson 6-3, 6-4
- Match 4: Siddharth Vishwakarma lost to Elias Ymer 6-2, 6-2
- Match 5: Not played
Indian Davis Cup team: Ramkumar Ramanathan, Siddharth Vishwakarma, Aryan Shah, Nikki K Poonacha, N Sriram Balaji. Non-playing captain: Rohit Rajpal
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