Davis Cup World Group I Play-off Preview: India vs Denmark

The singles match is likely going to decide the fate of the match.

India is set to take on Denmark from 03 February to 04 February at the Davis Cup - World Group I play-off match. India beat Denmark (4-0) in 2022 held in New Delhi and this time Denmark will be hosting the match. Denmark was without Holger Rune (top 10 in singles rankings) the last time the two teams met but this time the star player is set to make his return, playing in front of his home fans. India lost to Norway in the previous match held in September and will now look to start fresh against Denmark.

The winner will progress to 2023 World Group I while the loser will contest a World Group II tie in 2023.

Davis Cup 2023 World Group I Play-off: Squads

India Squad

Sasikumar Mukund

Prajnesh Gunneswaran

Ramkumar Ramanathan

Yuki Bhambri

Rohan Bopanna

Reserve : Sumit Nagal

Denmark Squad

Holger Rune

August Holmgren

Elmer Moeller

Johannes Ingildsen

Christian Sigsgaard

Match Details

Venue - Royal Stage, Hillerød, Denmark

Surface - Hard - Rebound Ace Synpave, Indoor

Date - 03 and 04 February 2023

Preview

In the singles section, Prajnesh Gunneswaran and Ramkumar Ramanathan will be playing in the singles while Yuki Bhambri and Rohan Bopanna set to partner in doubles. Earlier, Yuki Bhambri announced that he will solely be participating in doubles. Rohan Bopanna was injured when India last played against Norway and is set to make his return back into the Davis Cup team. Prajnesh Gunneswaran recently won the ITF 25 Kuwait Open and will be confident coming into the competition. Ramkumar Ramanathan on the other hand hasn't been able to cross the qualifying rounds at the Challenger tour and will have his task cut out. 

Denmark will heavily rely on Holger Rune to deliver in both the singles and doubles. Also, the hosts are fielding a completely different squad with the likes of Torpegaard missing out. The next best player after Rune is ranked 484th (August Holmgren) and Moller (718) in the ATP singles rankings.

Prediction

The singles match is likely going to decide the fate of the match and Holger Rune will be the key for Denmark with the star needing to win two singles match out of the five encounters. From India’s point of view, the doubles team looks set to win their match and it will boil down to Prajnesh Guneswaran and Ramkumar Ramanathan winning their non-Holger Rune match and winning the tie (3-2).