The Davis Cup has long been a theatre of unexpected drama, and in Biel, Switzerland, on Friday, it produced another unforgettable moment for Indian tennis.
Dhakshineswar Suresh, ranked No. 663 in the world, stunned Swiss No. 2 Jérôme Kym, ranked No. 155 and a recent U.S. Open third-rounder, 7-6(5), 6-3 in the opening singles rubber of the World Group I tie.
With that result, India struck the first blow in a tie many had predicted would favor the hosts, surging to a 1-0 lead.
For Suresh, who was originally named as a reserve in the squad, this victory was not just a result it was the culmination of belief, opportunity, and composure under the most demanding of circumstances.
A Bold Call by the Captain
India’s Davis Cup captain, Rohit Rajpal, deserves credit for his bold call. With Suresh initially not in the spotlight, few expected the 21-year-old to be fielded for the opening singles rubber. Yet Rajpal entrusted him with the responsibility of facing a much higher-ranked opponent in front of a partisan Swiss crowd at the Swiss Tennis Arena.
On paper, the gulf between the two players could not have been wider. Kym, a rising talent on the ATP Tour, made headlines at Flushing Meadows by reaching the third round of the U.S. Open, showcasing his big serve and fearless game against established names.
Suresh, meanwhile, is still cutting his teeth on the lower rungs of the professional circuit, mostly plying his trade at Futures and Challenger events.
But Davis Cup often ignores rankings, and once the opening rally began, it was clear that Suresh was not overawed by the occasion.
The Match: A Tale of Nerves and Nerve
The first set was a tight, nervy affair. Kym tried to dictate with his forehand and used the indoor conditions to fire down big serves, but Suresh matched him shot for shot. The Indian showcased impressive court coverage, countering Kym’s pace with deep returns and mixing his play with clever use of angles.
At 6-6, the set went into a tiebreak. Here, the composure of the debutant shone through. Suresh stayed solid on serve, forced Kym into uncharacteristic errors, and held his nerve to clinch it 7-6(5). The Swiss fans were stunned, while the small pocket of Indian supporters erupted.
With momentum on his side, Suresh grew in confidence in the second set. He began reading Kym’s serve better and capitalized on the few half-chances that came his way. A crucial break in the sixth game gave him a 4-2 lead, and from there, he never looked back. Serving for the match at 5-3, the Indian displayed remarkable calmness, closing it out 6-3 without flinching.
For a player ranked outside the top 600 to take down someone just outside the world’s top 150 is a significant upset in any setting. But in Davis Cup terms, it becomes even more monumental. Matches here are not only about rankings or recent form they are about handling pressure, carrying the weight of the flag, and summoning the best version of oneself for the team.
That Suresh achieved this on his debut makes it even more special. It was a performance built on resilience, intelligent shot selection, and sheer belief.
The tie against Switzerland was always expected to be close. India’s hopes revolved around Sumit Nagal, their highest-ranked singles player, while Switzerland was banking on experienced campaigners like Marc-Andrea Hüsler to deliver at home.
By drawing first blood, Suresh has given India a priceless advantage. The 1-0 lead eases pressure on Nagal in the second singles rubber and provides flexibility for the doubles strategy on Day 2. It also means the Swiss must now chase the tie, with the burden shifting onto Hüsler and his teammates to level proceedings.
For Dhakshineswar Suresh, this victory could prove transformative. A relative unknown outside Indian tennis circles until now, his performance will draw attention from the global tennis community.
The Davis Cup has often acted as a launchpad for players to announce themselves. Leander Paes did it in 1993 when he beat Henri Leconte and Wayne Ferreira as a young underdog. Somdev Devvarman used it to build credibility early in his career. For Suresh, beating a top-200 opponent on debut is a similar statement.
It not only boosts his confidence but also strengthens his case for support, sponsorship, and opportunities on the professional tour.
With India leading 1-0, the focus now shifts to Sumit Nagal’s clash against Switzerland’s Marc-Andrea Hüsler. Nagal, who has experience on the ATP Tour, will aim to consolidate India’s lead, while Hüsler carries the weight of expectation to restore parity for the hosts.
The doubles, traditionally India’s strength, could play a pivotal role on the second day, especially with Rohan Bopanna’s experience and the emerging chemistry in India’s doubles options. If Suresh’s upset proves to be the foundation for a larger team victory, this tie may well be remembered as the moment India rediscovered its Davis Cup magic.
The beauty of the Davis Cup lies in its unpredictability. Rankings blur, reputations fade, and raw national pride takes over. On his debut, Dhakshineswar Suresh embodied that spirit, rising well above his world No. 663 status to deliver a thunderbolt against a top-200 player who had been in the spotlight at the U.S. Open just weeks ago.
For India, the tie against Switzerland is far from over. But for one young man from Chennai, September 12, 2025, will forever remain the day when he put his name on the map of world tennis, playing “big time tennis” when his country needed it most.
