India Clinches Davis Cup World Group I Spot with Dominant Win Over Togo

N. Sriram Balaji and Rithvik Choudary Bollipalli played a crucial role in securing India’s place in the Davis Cup World Group I with a dominant straight-set victory in the play-off tie against Togo. The Indian duo handed the hosts an unassailable 3-0 lead with a commanding 6-2, 6-1 win in just 57 minutes at the DLTA Complex on Sunday.

With India leading 2-0 in the tie, the team needed to win just one of the three remaining matches of the day. Balaji and Bollipalli delivered the victory early, defeating M’lapa Tingou Akomolo and Hod’abalo Isak Padio in their first match. Togo’s decision to replace their best player, Thomas Setodji, with M’lapa Tingou Akomolo due to an arm injury proved detrimental as Akomolo struggled to hold serve throughout the match.

Balaji was exceptional with his serving, losing just one point on his serve in the entire match. The Indian pair dominated the court from the start, securing their first break in the third game. Akomolo’s double faults further contributed to the Indian victory, handing them two set points in the opening set, with Bollipalli sealing it with a stunning overhead volley winner.

The second set saw India continue their relentless attack. They broke early, virtually eliminating any chance of a comeback from Togo. Balaji and Bollipalli maintained their composure, and despite a brief challenge from Padio, they secured the tie with a 6-1 scoreline in the second set.

India’s convincing performance puts them in a strong position for the upcoming matches, and young Karan Singh is expected to make his debut in the dead rubber. The win marks a significant step for India in securing a place in the prestigious World Group I of the Davis Cup.