India neutralised Pakistan's challenge on the first day, securing a 2-0 advantage in the Davis Cup World Group I playoff tie, thanks to standout performances by Ramkumar Ramanathan and N Sriram Balaji in the intense showdown on February 3. Despite a spirited effort from Aisam-ul-haq Qureshi in the fiercely competitive opening singles, the match's high demands and challenging conditions led to him sustaining a hamstring injury in the third set, curtailing what could have been a tightly contested finish.
Ramkumar demonstrated exceptional skill in serving and improved his returns in the second set to clinch a victory with scores of 6-7 (3), 7-6 (4), 6-0. Meanwhile, Aisam, at 43 years old, struggled with 10 double faults during the match, pushing the limits.
The key to Ramkumar's success was his powerful serve and strategic play. He managed to serve nine games to love, maintaining short and effective points.
Facing a setback after losing the first set, Ramkumar managed to turn the game around from a precarious position at 3-4, down 15-40, subsequently dominating the match where he delivered 20 aces. In the rain-affected second singles, doubles expert Balaji faced off against Aqeel Khan and secured a win with scores of 7-5, 6-3. Balaji controlled the match by breaking Aqeel once in each set, combining his agile movement, strong serve, and strategic use of drop shots for a decisive victory.
India just one step away from World Group I
India is just one victory shy of progressing to World Group I. Yuki Bhambri and Saketh Myneni are set to clinch the tie for India on Sunday as they face Muzammil Murtaza and Barkat Ullah in the third match. The players faced tough conditions due to the freezing temperatures.
Ramkumar swiftly shook off the early nerves, starting the match with a love service game capped by an ace. When Aisam served, the rallies lengthened. However, Ramkumar's prowess was evident when he responded with a backhand return winner during the third game, signaling the intensity of the competition. Ramkumar's serving was particularly strong; he unleashed five aces in his first three service games, securing a hold in the fifth with his third ace of that game.
Aisam effectively approached the net and utilised drop shots, despite serving three double faults. However, he recovered well in subsequent plays to maintain his position. In the first set, Ramkumar delivered five love service games, leading to a tie-breaker. Aisam quickly gained a 3-0 advantage with a service break, further extending his lead when Ramkumar's forehand went wide. Aisam maintained his serve, and a long forehand lob from Ramkumar gave Aisam his first set point, which he converted with an ace, celebrating loudly.
The second set saw Ramkumar starting strong, breaking Aisam's serve early. Yet, he lost his serve in the fourth game, missing the chance to apply more pressure. Aisam showcased remarkable backhand shots, notably a service return winner to save a break point and then secured a break with a powerful backhand pass, causing Ramkumar to err on a forehand. Cheered on by his supporters, Aisam took a 3-2 lead with ease.
In the eighth game, Ramkumar faced and saved two break points, countering Aisam's aggressive returns with solid serving.
The set once again went to a tie-breaker, where Ramkumar took the early advantage with a return winner, quickly advancing to a 4-0 lead, and eventually clinching the set despite Aisam saving four set points.
In the third set, Ramkumar broke Aisam early, pressing with aggressive forehand returns. Despite Aisam leading 40-15, Ramkumar delivered a backhand passing shot and another winner to reach deuce, then broke Aisam following a double fault.
Aisam, hindered by injury, took a medical timeout. Afterward, Ramkumar dominated the match, concluding with a skillful backhand drop shot.
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