India’s loss to Sweden on Sunday, September 15, marked the nation’s sixth straight defeat in opposition to the European aspect in Davis Cup historical past.
Rohit Rajpal, the captain of India’s Davis Cup crew, didn’t maintain again his frustration after his crew’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” in terms of doubting his talents as captain.
India’s loss to Sweden on Sunday, September 15, marked the nation’s sixth straight defeat in opposition to 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.
Robust day for Indian Tennis at Davis Cup
The tie was already out of India’s arms 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 displaying some promise early within the match, the Indian duo was damaged at essential moments, and their efforts fell brief.
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 attributable to harm, 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 position
In response to criticism, notably from inside the Indian tennis neighborhood, Rajpal stood agency. “I’ve had sufficient of individuals doubting my talents. They should shut up,” Rajpal stated in an unusually candid assertion. The captain, who has confronted scrutiny following latest losses, was clearly pissed off after India’s early exit.
The Indian crew, 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 crew’s potential.
Path to redemption forward?
Regardless of the disappointing consequence, 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 crew may convey higher outcomes sooner or later.
Rohit Rajpal’s outburst indicators a robust message of defiance, as he continues to steer India’s Davis Cup journey with the objective of bouncing again from this tough defeat. For now, India’s Davis Cup crew should replicate, rebuild, and concentrate on 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 crew: Ramkumar Ramanathan, Siddharth Vishwakarma, Aryan Shah, Nikki Okay Poonacha, N Sriram Balaji. Non-playing captain: Rohit Rajpal
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