India takes 2-0 lead over Pakistan in Davis Cup 2024 World Group I play-off

Published at :February 3, 2024 at 8:05 PM

Modified at :February 3, 2024 at 8:05 PM

(Courtesy : X)

India will look to close out the tie on Sunday

India put up a dominant performance against Pakistan on the opening day of the Davis Cup 2024 World Group I play-off tie in Islamabad, winning both the singles matches to take a 2-0 lead on Saturday.

Ramkumar Ramanathan and N Sriram Balaji overcame the challenge of their Pakistani opponents in the high-pressure contest, and played in cold conditions at the Pakistan Sports Complex.

Ramanathan defeated a spirited Aisam-ul-Haq Qureshi in three sets, 6-7(3), 7-6(4), 6-0. Qureshi, who is ranked 154th in the world in doubles, gave his all in the first two sets, but suffered a hamstring injury in the third set that hampered his movement and serve.

Ramanathan, who is ranked 461st in singles, served extremely well throughout the match, firing 20 aces and winning nine games at love. He also returned better in the second set, breaking Qureshi twice to level the match. In the third set, he was in complete control, breaking Qureshi three times to seal the win.

Balaji, who is a doubles specialist and ranked 507th in singles, faced veteran Aqeel Khan, who is ranked 1681st. Balaji won the rain-hit second singles 7-5, 6-3. He broke Khan once in each set and used his movement, strong serve, and drop shots to outplay his rival.

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Yuki Bhambri and Saketh Myneni will look to seal the tie on Sunday when they take on Muzammil Murtaza and Barkat Ullah in the doubles rubber.

This is India’s first visit to Pakistan for a Davis Cup tie since 1964. India leads the head-to-head record against Pakistan 7-0

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