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Davis Cup: Sumit Nagal makes it 1-1 against Denmark with win in second singles

Davis Cup: Sumit Nagal pulled India back in Davis Cup World Group Play-off tie with a win over August Holmgren in the second singles after Yuki Bhambri lost to World No. 9 Holger Rune in the first singles on Day 1.

By Mykhel Staff
Sumit Nagal

Hillerod, February 4: Sumit Nagal kept India in the fight against Denmark in the Davis Cup World Group Play-off tie as he defeated August Holmgren in the second singles after Yuki Bhambri lost to World No. 9 Holger Rune in the opening match of tie at the Royal Stage Stadium on Friday.

It was always a tall task for Bhambri to counter Rune and there was no surprise as Denmark's top singles player raced to a 6-2, 6-2 win to put the host up 1-0.

Up against a formidable rival, Yuki needed a special effort but he went down in mere 58 minutes.

Yuki Bhambri

Nagal though erased a one-set deficit to pip August Holmgren 4-6, 6-3, 6-4 in two hours and 27 minutes to make it 1-1 at the end of day one.

The 25-year-old Nagal, ranked 506, dropped serve in the very first game of the match but once he got hold of his nerves, he was his usual fighting self.

He got the break back but squandered the chances when Holmgren offered them. The Danish player, ranked 484, eventually sealed the set.

In the second set, it was Nagal who drew the first blood and went up 5-2. He served out the set in the ninth game to force a decider.

Nagal had a chance to get the first break when he made a deep return and Holmgren's forehand return sailed over the baseline at 30-all but the home player served well to save the chance.

Nagal got another chance when Holmgren netted a forehand at deuce point in the third game but he himself made a forehand error on the breakpoint.

While Nagal preferred to hit from the baseline, Holmgren often charged the net often to create chances for volley winners.

Holmgren handed Nagal another break chance when he tried to pick a low volley but could not keep the ball in the court and followed that up with a double fault, allowing the Indian to take a mini 3-2 lead.

That lead stayed with Nagal and he came out serving for the match in the 10th game. Holmgren's forehand error gave the Indian three match points and converted the first one on home team player's unforced error.

On Saturday, doubles and reverse singles will be played. If India loses this tie, it will be relegated to World Group II.

(With inputs from PTI)

Story first published: Saturday, February 4, 2023, 16:19 [IST]
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