Davis Cup 2026 Qualifiers: Who will India face in the second round?
(Courtesy : @tenniskarnataka/Twitter)
India scripted history by defeating 2024 runners-up Netherlands in a thrilling contest.
India pulled off a stirring 3-2 upset over the Netherlands in the Davis Cup 2026 Qualifiers, producing one of their most memorable home victories in recent years at the SM Krishna Tennis Stadium in Bengaluru.
Trailing and under pressure against the higher-ranked Dutch side, the hosts showed grit, bold selection calls, and exceptional individual performances to clinch the tie across two intense days.
The turning point came in the doubles rubber, where captain Rohit Rajpal’s surprise decision to pair Yuki Bhambri with world No. 465 Dhakshineswar Suresh paid rich dividends.
The makeshift Indian duo outlasted Sander Arends and David Pel in a three-hour thriller, winning 7-6(0), 3-6, 7-6(1). That win swung momentum India’s way before the tie see-sawed again in the reverse singles.
Also Read: India vs Netherlands Day 2 Highlights, Davis Cup 2026 Qualifiers Round 1
Suresh then capped a heroic weekend by winning the decisive fifth rubber against Guy Den Ouden, despite having already spent hours on court earlier in the day.
His victory in both singles matches and the doubles made him the central figure in India’s triumph, as the hosts advanced to the second round of qualifiers.
Watch India vs Netherlands Day 2 Highlights | Davis Cup 2026 Qualifiers Round 1
Who will India face in Davis Cup 2026 Qualifiers Round 2?
After their win over the Dutch team, India will be up against South Korea in the second round. The Republic of Korea produced a stirring comeback to defeat Argentina 3-2 in the first round of the Davis Cup 2026 qualifiers, feeding off an electric home crowd in Busan.
Roared on by passionate supporters, the hosts overturned a deficit on the final day to knock out the 2016 champions and book their place in the second round.
Argentina appeared to have seized control after the doubles rubber, where Guido Andreozzi and Federico Agustin Gomez beat Nam Ji-sung and Park Ui-sung 6-3, 7-5 to give the visitors a 2-1 lead.
With momentum on their side, the South Americans were just one win away from sealing the tie, despite fielding a relatively inexperienced Davis Cup lineup.
The turning point came in the reverse singles, as Kwon Soon-woo showed immense resilience against Thiago Agustin Tirante.
Ranked significantly lower, Kwon clawed his way back after falling behind in the deciding set, eventually winning 6-4, 4-6, 6-3 to level the tie. With the tie on the line, Hyeon Chung delivered a composed and authoritative performance in the decider.
He brushed aside Marco Trungelliti 6-4, 6-3, handling the occasion with maturity and calm to seal a memorable victory for the hosts. Chung’s straight-sets win underlined South Korea’s growing depth in singles.
Also Read: India vs Netherlands Day 1 Highlights, Davis Cup 2026 Round 1 Qualifiers
When and where will India play their match in Davis Cup 2026 Qualifiers Round 2?
A place in the Davis Cup 2026 final eight awaits the winner of India vs South Korea. This highly awaited clash will be played between 18–20 September, at the Gijang Stadium in South Korea.
What was the result of India vs Netherlands in the Davis Cup 2026 Qualifiers Round 1?
India defeated the Netherlands 3-2 in a thrilling tie at the SM Krishna Tennis Stadium in Bengaluru.
Who will India face in the second round of Davis Cup 2026 Qualifiers?
India will play against South Korea in the second round from 18–20 September at Gijang Stadium in South Korea.
How did South Korea reach the second round?
South Korea staged a comeback against Argentina, overturning a 1-2 deficit to win 3-2, with Hyeon Chung clinching the decisive fifth rubber.
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Aniruddh Seshadri Iyer is a passionate sports journalist at Khel Now, specializing in tennis and Olympic sports. An engineer by training, he found his storytelling passion through iconic Grand Slam and Olympic moments. Known for sharp analysis and insightful coverage, he draws inspiration from Novak Djokovic’s resilience. Outside journalism, he enjoys reading, traveling, and playing the guitar.