Davis Cup 2026: India on the brink of elimination after opening day

The 2026 Davis Cup witnessed a dramatic opening day as India lost both singles rubbers to South Korea, leaving the team of captain Rohit Rajpal on the brink of elimination in the qualifying round. The opponent now needs just one more win to advance. The centrepiece of the day was the clash between India's No. 1 singles player, Sumit Nagal, and South Korea's Hyeong Chung. Nagal started well, securing an early break and moving ahead. However, at the most crucial moment of the second set, leading 4-3 and holding a break point at 40-15, Nagal committed a huge unforced error on the forehand. That moment shifted the momentum completely, allowing Chung to find his rhythm and win in three sets. Chung's precise backhand winners and drop shots in the closing stages highlighted the difference in composure during decisive moments. Meanwhile, in the other rubber, DK Suresh — India's hero from the previous round — followed a similar script. After winning the first set, the young player could not maintain the pressure and lost in three sets to Kwon Soon-woo. The double defeat pushed India into a must-win situation for all three remaining rubbers on day two. India's weakness on the opening day was not class or the ability to start matches, but the ability to close them out. Both players won the first set but failed to sustain their level at critical moments. This is a systemic issue, not an isolated incident. Heading into day two, India must win the doubles rubber first to keep their hopes alive. The pair of Balaji and Poonacha will face South Korea's Nam and Park. However, the absence of top doubles player Yuki Bhambri due to injury represents a significant loss of squad depth and creates considerable tactical risk in this pivotal match. Theoretically, India still have a chance. If they win the doubles, they will gain confidence for the two reverse singles later in the day. Nagal is set to face Kwon Soon-woo again, while DK Suresh will take on Hyeong Chung. But with South Korea needing only one more win to end the contest, the pressure weighs heavily on the visitors. History awaits India. If they overcome this challenge, they will reach the Davis Cup quarter-finals for the first time since 2026. But first, they must solve the difficult problem of “composure in decisive moments” — the very thing that cost them victory on the opening day.