The victorious Indian Davis Cup team returned home after ensuring their entry into the World Group Play-group stage breaking the 11 year long jinx. India beat South Africa 4-1 in Johannesburg securing a return to the elite group of sixteen nations that will vie for the coveted team crown next year.
Indian ace Somdev Devvarman won both his crucial games with the reverse singles stretching to five sets.
Road to World Group
India kickstarted their Davis Cup campaign with a 3-2 win over Chinese Taipei in the Asia-Oceania Group 1 Quarterfinal. The Indians then were pitted against formidable Australia in the Asia-Oceania Group 1 Semifinal but they got a walkover as the Aussies refused to play the tie in Chennai due to security reasons.
India's best in Davis Cup
India have never won the Davis Cup title, though they have reached the semifinals three times. Ramanathan Krishnan and Jaideep Mukherjee guided India to their first ever final in 1966 before they lost to Australia.
In 1974, India once again made it to the final but conceded the title to South Africa in a protest against apartheid.
The last time India reached the final of the Davis Cup was way back in 1987 but they suffered a 0-5 defeat at the hands of Sweden.
At the other end, Yuki Bhambri made his Davis Cup debut with an impressive 3-6, 6-3, 6-4 victory over South Africa's Izak Van Der Merwe in the inconsequential fifth rubber after India progressed to the elite World Group through Somdev Devvarman's win in first reverse singles against Rik de Voest.
The junior Australian Open champion Yuki showcased his talent at the top level as he powered his way from a set-down to stun Izak.
After overcoming nerves in the first set, Yuki played freely - pounding forehands, returning brilliantly and going for the quick finishes. By the third set, the ferocity of the 17-year-old's game had completely rattled his South African opponent.
India thus beat South Africa 4-1. It was also the first time that India defeated South Africa in three meetings.
"It could not have been better for me. As a youngster, I grew up watching Leander (Paes) and Mahesh (Bhupathi) from the stands and got the inspiration to be part of the team. Today it's a dream come true for me," a beaming Yuki said.
"It is certainly a big day for India. Somdev won a great match in the first reverse singles against Rik and that gave me the chance to play here.”
"I am happy that we are in the World Group. We have a strong team. Hopefully, I will be getting more opportunities in future and I want to make the most of it."
Indian ace Somdev Devvarman won both his crucial games with the reverse singles stretching to five sets.
Road to World Group
India kickstarted their Davis Cup campaign with a 3-2 win over Chinese Taipei in the Asia-Oceania Group 1 Quarterfinal. The Indians then were pitted against formidable Australia in the Asia-Oceania Group 1 Semifinal but they got a walkover as the Aussies refused to play the tie in Chennai due to security reasons.
India's best in Davis Cup
India have never won the Davis Cup title, though they have reached the semifinals three times. Ramanathan Krishnan and Jaideep Mukherjee guided India to their first ever final in 1966 before they lost to Australia.
In 1974, India once again made it to the final but conceded the title to South Africa in a protest against apartheid.
The last time India reached the final of the Davis Cup was way back in 1987 but they suffered a 0-5 defeat at the hands of Sweden.
At the other end, Yuki Bhambri made his Davis Cup debut with an impressive 3-6, 6-3, 6-4 victory over South Africa's Izak Van Der Merwe in the inconsequential fifth rubber after India progressed to the elite World Group through Somdev Devvarman's win in first reverse singles against Rik de Voest.
The junior Australian Open champion Yuki showcased his talent at the top level as he powered his way from a set-down to stun Izak.
After overcoming nerves in the first set, Yuki played freely - pounding forehands, returning brilliantly and going for the quick finishes. By the third set, the ferocity of the 17-year-old's game had completely rattled his South African opponent.
India thus beat South Africa 4-1. It was also the first time that India defeated South Africa in three meetings.
"It could not have been better for me. As a youngster, I grew up watching Leander (Paes) and Mahesh (Bhupathi) from the stands and got the inspiration to be part of the team. Today it's a dream come true for me," a beaming Yuki said.
"It is certainly a big day for India. Somdev won a great match in the first reverse singles against Rik and that gave me the chance to play here.”
"It is certainly a big day for India. Somdev won a great match in the first reverse singles against Rik and that gave me the chance to play here.”"I am happy that we are in the World Group. We have a strong team. Hopefully, I will be getting more opportunities in future and I want to make the most of it."
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