Reverse sweep sees India through
Somdev, Yuki win singles to take team into World Group playoffs
CHRISTCHURCH: India claimed both reverse singles to snatch a dramatic 3-2 victory over New Zealand in their Davis Cup tie on Sunday.
Victory in the Asia-Oceania second round tie qualifies India for the World Group playoffs in September.
New Zealand went into the final day in Christchurch with a 2-1 lead only to find themselves totally outplayed, with the two reverse singles settled in straight sets.
Somdev Devvarman, who lost his first singles game on Friday in five sets, made amends in his second outing when he saw off Marcus Daniell 6-4, 6-4, 6-4 sending the tie into a decisive fifth and final match.
Daniell, a doubles specialist who won Saturday with partner Artem Sitak, was a late change for the singles after Kiwi number one Rubin Statham pulled out of the reverse singles with influenza.
Yuki Bhambri then closed out the tie, taking just one hour 49 minutes to complete a 6-2, 6-2, 6-3 win over New Zealand hope Michael Venus who had earlier beaten Devvarman.
Venus had a break point to go ahead 4-2 in the third set but could not convert and then had two break point chances to equalise at 4-4.
India now face a team from the first round of the World Group from earlier in the year, while New Zealand will remain in the Asia-Oceania Group One in 2016. ‘NO BETTER FEELING’ Yuki is relishing the fact that his was a decisive win in the fifth rubber which took them to World Group Playoffs.
“I have been working hard, I worked the last two weeks in the Delhi heat to be ready if I had to play long matches and I’ve been trying to improve my game so just happy that I could do my bit for the country and the team. There is no better feeling than to win the last rubber,” said Yuki.
The 23-year-old said the Kiwi players may be lower-ranked but they were no pushovers.
“Believe me we are happy that we pulled this off. Don’t forget we were very close to losing and I don’t think India has come back from 2-1 down to win 3-2 on too many occasions,” he said.
Yuki is keen to carry forward his good form into the ATP circuit. “Yes I would love to keep it going. I have a busy schedule in the States so hopefully can win a few matches before the US Open,” he said.
Asked if has made any changes to his training, Yuki said, “Nothing new, the usual, just trying to work on my fitness and endurance so trying to do a lot of running.”