India vs Netherlands Day 1 Highlights, Davis Cup 2026 Round 1 Qualifiers: Dhakshineswar Suresh stuns top seed to level contest for India after Nagal's defeat

Watch the India vs Netherlands Round 1 Qualifying match below.

Young Dhakshineswar Suresh stunned top seed and higher-ranked Jesper de Jong in straight sets to help India level their Davis Cup 2026 Qualifiers Round 1 tie against Netherlands in Bengaluru on Saturday. Suresh defeated De Jong 6-4, 7-5 in an hours and 28 minutes.

Also Read: Watch: Ranked 465, Suresh STUNS World No. 88 De Jong! India vs Netherlands, Davis Cup 2026

His win helped India pull themselves back in the tie after Sumit Nagal’s valiant fight in the opening match, Nagal showed grit but went down 0-6, 6-4, 3-6 against Guy den Ouden, that put the visitors ahead in the tie.

For Nagal, the 0-6 loss in the first set became his undoing and although he did well to force a decider and even fought back from 0-4 down in the third set, it was too late and too little.

With the contest now tied at 1-1, India will head into second day confident. Sunday will begin with doubles match where N Sriram Balaji and Yuki Bhambri will team up against Sander Arends/David Pel. Nagal and Suresh are then scheduled to play singles if required.

Watch Sumit Nagal vs Guy den Ouden Highlights | Davis Cup 2026 Qualifiers Round 1

Watch Dhakshineswar Suresh vs Jesper de Jong Highlights | Davis Cup 2026 Qualifiers Round 1

At the Davis Cup 2026 Qualifiers Round 1, India are set to take on the 2024 runners-up Netherlands on February 7 and 8 at the S.M. Krishna Tennis Stadium in Bengaluru.

The hosts are relying on the nation’s top players like Sumit Nagal, Dhakshineswar Suresh, and Karan Singh in singles.

However, the Netherlands side features young talents Jesper de Jong and Guy den Ouden. De Jong, in particular, will be a big challenge for India with his strong ranking and consistent performances.

Although the Dutch side is missing their top stars Tallon Griekspoor and Botic van de Zandschulp, they still remain a strong unit staying fourth in the Davis Cup rankings.

India will be led by captain Rohit Rajpal, who was recently reappointed. Under his leadership, the team will look back at their famous win over the Netherlands in 1996 in Jaipur, when Leander Paes and Mahesh Bhupathi helped India pull off a memorable victory.

Watch India vs Netherlands Day 1 Highlights | Davis Cup 2026 Qualifiers Round 1

In pursuit of the repeating the history, Rajpal has made an important decision late by bringing in Balaji for doubles, trusting his recent good form. The conditions in Bengaluru, including the faster courts, are also expected to suit Dhakshineswar’s attacking game.

At present, India are ranked 33rd, and they know this tie will not be easy. However, playing at home and the absence of the star Dutch players give India a real chance to claim the glory.

The tie will begin with two singles matches on the first day, i.e, February 7, Saturday. Sumit Nagal will face Guy den Ouden, followed by Dhakshineswar Suresh against Jesper de Jong.

On the second day, India’s doubles pair Yuki Bhambri and N. Sriram Balaji will take on Sander Arends and David Pel. The final two singles matches will then decide the winner.

The winner of this tie will advance to the Davis Cup 2026 Qualifiers 2nd Round in September 2026 to compete for a spot in the Final 8.

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