Netherlands announce weakened team to take on India in Davis Cup Qualifiers
India vs Netherlands will take place in Bengaluru on February 7.
On January 6, the Royal Dutch Lawn Tennis Association unveiled a notably weakened team for the upcoming Davis Cup Qualifiers tie against India, scheduled for February 7-8 at the SM Krishna Tennis Stadium in Bengaluru.
The Dutch squad will be without their top-ranked singles stars, Tallon Griekspoor and Botic van de Zandschulp, who have been omitted from the lineup.
Griekspoor, currently the world No. 25 and the nation’s leading player, along with former world No. 22 van de Zandschulp, are key absences that could stem from scheduling conflicts with the ATP 500 event in Rotterdam around the same time.
Also Read: Davis Cup Qualifiers 2026: India name five-man squad for home tie against Netherlands
This decision shifts the focus to a less experienced core, with Jesper de Jong stepping up as the highest-ranked Dutch singles player available.
De Jong, known for his aggressive baseline play and recent solid performances on the Challenger circuit, will lead the singles charge alongside the promising Guy den Ouden, a rising talent with potential but limited exposure at the elite level.
In doubles, the team will rely on specialists David Pel and Sander Arends, who bring experience in pairs competition.
India, on the other hand, enter the contest with a robust and recently announced squad that emphasizes a blend of youth and experience.
Led by top singles player Sumit Nagal, who has been in impressive form following his heroics in the 2025 World Group I upset against Switzerland, the team includes Dhakshineswar Suresh as a key singles contender.
The doubles department is bolstered by Yuki Bhambri, a US Open finalist in 2025, paired with Rithvik Bollipalli, while Karan Singh rounds out the main contingent.
“The Netherland’s nominations do not include their two top singles players, and it adds a positive dimension to India’s prospects in the contest,” India’s Davis Cup coach Ashutosh Singh told PTI.
“Indian players are shaping up strongly through their respective pre-season preparations, and their immediate transition into the Bengaluru Open ATP Challenger at the KSLTA provides an ideal build-up phase for the tie.
Additionally, Sumit Nagal and Dhakshineswar benefited from valuable exposure at the World League at the same venue, sharing the court with top players such as Daniil Medvedev and Gael Monfils,” he claimed.
This lineup, fresh from stints like the World Tennis League and Bengaluru Open, positions India to capitalize on home advantage on outdoor hardcourts.
Full Dutch contingent for Davis Cup Tie
- Jesper de Jong (singles)
- Guy den Ouden (singles)
- David Pel (doubles)
- Sander Arends (doubles)
- Captain: Paul Haarhuis
When and where will India vs Netherlands Davis Cup tie take place?
The Davis Cup Qualifiers tie between India and the Netherlands will be held on February 7–8 at the SM Krishna Tennis Stadium in Bengaluru.
Why are Tallon Griekspoor and Botic van de Zandschulp missing from Dutch squad?
The two top Dutch singles players have been omitted, likely due to scheduling conflicts with the ATP 500 Rotterdam tournament taking place around the same time.
Who will lead Netherlands in singles in their Davis Cup tie against India?
Jesper de Jong will be the highest-ranked Dutch singles player in the squad, supported by rising player Guy den Ouden.
Who are the doubles players for Netherlands in their Davis Cup tie against India?
The Dutch doubles team comprises specialists David Pel and Sander Arends, with Paul Haarhuis serving as captain.
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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.