Celebrating a landmark in tennis, Rohan Bopanna wrapped up his two-decade-long Davis Cup journey on a victorious note at the Vijayant Khand Mini Stadium on Sunday, September 17. Teaming up with Yuki Bhambri, they showcased unmatched coordination to outshine Morocco. With Sumit Nagal’s triumph and Digvijay Pratap Singh's win, India marches forward to the World Group I playoff in 2024.
In a befitting tribute to a storied career, Rohan Bopanna teamed up with Yuki Bhambri to deliver a commanding performance against the Moroccan duo of Elliot Benchetrit and Younes Lalami Laaroussi. Their 6-2, 6-1 win in the World Group II doubles match took place on the revered courts of the Vijayant Khand Mini Stadium in Gomti Nagar.
Further solidifying India's stance in the sport, Sumit Nagal put up a stellar show against Yassine Dlimi, taking him down 6-3, 6-3. This win contributed to India's dominant 4-1 lead.
Another highlight of the day was Digvijay Pratap Singh's captivating performance against Walid Ahouda. Despite facing resistance in the middle set, Singh emerged victorious with a scoreline of 6-1, 5-7, 10-6.
India's triumph ensures their progression to the World Group I play-off slated for 2024.
The limelight, however, was rightfully fixed on Bopanna. An elegantly executed cross-court drop signaled the conclusion of his remarkable 21-year tenure with the Davis Cup. Bopanna's collaboration with Bhambri during the match was nothing short of poetic. Their synergy on the court, punctuated by Bopanna’s formidable forehands, left the Moroccan side reeling and searching for answers. Having secured the first set 6-2, the dynamic Indian duo exhibited sheer confidence, suggesting they had the situation well under control.
The Moroccan pair could only secure the initial game in the subsequent set. Their attempts to retaliate were continually thwarted by Bopanna's expert volleys and Bhambri's precise serves.
Post-match, an emotional Bopanna acknowledged his supporters in a heartfelt manner. He greeted every member of the Indian squad with handshakes, undertook a victory lap wrapped in the tricolor, and sent out affectionate gestures to his fans across the stands.
While Bopanna's farewell was the day's central narrative, Nagal's performance cannot be overlooked. Riding on his winning momentum, he demonstrated commendable skill against Dlimi. Nagal's serves, markedly improved from his previous match, played a crucial role in his victory.
Despite Dlimi's spirited effort to mount a comeback in the initial set after Nagal's initial lead of 40-0, the Indian tennis sensation managed to maintain his ground, tying the score at 1-1. Nagal's prowess shone when he broke Dlimi’s serve in the third game, setting a 2-1 lead. The momentum persisted as Nagal broke Dlimi again in the ninth game, wrapping up the set at 6-3.
The following set was no different. A break in the early stages of the second set, placing Nagal 2-0 ahead, was instrumental in his smooth sail to victory.
The day’s matches, especially Bopanna’s swansong, will be etched in the annals of Indian tennis history. As one era concludes with Bopanna's departure, promising players like Nagal and Singh hint at the dawn of another thrilling chapter.
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