India’s loss to Sweden on Sunday, September 15, marked the nation’s sixth straight defeat towards the European aspect in Davis Cup historical past.
Rohit Rajpal, the captain of India’s Davis Cup workforce, didn’t maintain again his frustration after his workforce’s 4-0 defeat to Sweden within the World Group 1 match of the Davis Cup 2024. Within the post-match press convention, Rajpal lashed out at these questioning his management, telling his critics to “shut up” on the subject of doubting his talents as captain.
India’s loss to Sweden on Sunday, September 15, marked the nation’s sixth straight defeat towards the European aspect in Davis Cup historical past. After the loss, India will now head to the World Group I Play-offs subsequent yr, whereas Sweden has superior to the 2025 Qualifiers.
Powerful day for Indian Tennis at Davis Cup
The tie was already out of India’s fingers when the pair of N Sriram Balaji and Ramkumar Ramanathan misplaced in straight units, 3-6, 4-6, to Filip Bergevi and Andre Goransson. Regardless of exhibiting some promise early within the match, the Indian duo was damaged at essential moments, and their efforts fell quick.
With the defeat within the doubles match, Sweden secured an unassailable 3-0 lead. Ramkumar Ramanathan, initially scheduled to play the fourth singles match, withdrew as a consequence of damage, and was changed by Siddharth Vishwakarma. Sadly for India, Vishwakarma couldn’t discover his rhythm and was defeated 2-6, 2-6 by Sweden’s Elias Ymer, finalising the 4-0 scoreline.
Rohit Rajpal defends his captaincy function
In response to criticism, notably from throughout the Indian tennis group, Rajpal stood agency. “I’ve had sufficient of individuals doubting my talents. They should shut up,” Rajpal mentioned in an unusually candid assertion. The captain, who has confronted scrutiny following latest losses, was clearly annoyed after India’s early exit.
The Indian workforce, lacking high gamers Yuki Bhambri and Sumit Nagal, struggled all through the competitors. Rajpal acknowledged the challenges, however emphasised his confidence in his management and the workforce’s potential.
Path to redemption forward?
Regardless of the disappointing end result, India nonetheless has an opportunity to regroup within the World Group I Play-offs subsequent yr. With the absence of key gamers on this tie, there’s hope {that a} full-strength workforce may deliver higher outcomes sooner or later.
Rohit Rajpal’s outburst indicators a powerful message of defiance, as he continues to guide India’s Davis Cup journey with the aim of bouncing again from this tough defeat. For now, India’s Davis Cup workforce should replicate, rebuild, and deal with the upcoming challenges.
Davis Cup 2024 India vs Sweden tennis scores and outcomes
- Match 1: N Sriram Balaji (IND) misplaced to Elias Ymer (SWE) 6-4, 6-2
- Match 2: Ramkumar Ramanathan (IND) misplaced to Leo Borg (SWE) 6-3, 6-4
- Match 3: Ramkumar Ramanathan/N Sriram Balaji misplaced to Filip Bergevi/Andre Goransson 6-3, 6-4
- Match 4: Siddharth Vishwakarma misplaced to Elias Ymer 6-2, 6-2
- Match 5: Not performed
Indian Davis Cup workforce: Ramkumar Ramanathan, Siddharth Vishwakarma, Aryan Shah, Nikki Ok Poonacha, N Sriram Balaji. Non-playing captain: Rohit Rajpal
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