NEW DELHI: Ramkumar Ramanathan showcased his resilience and skill as he fought off a determined Aisam-ul-haq Qureshi to secure a hard-fought victory, providing India with a crucial 1-0 lead in the Davis Cup World Group I play-off against Pakistan.
The contest unfolded at the Islamabad Sports Complex, where Ramkumar faced an early challenge after losing the first set in a tie-break against a spirited Aisam, buoyed by the fervent home crowd.
However, the Indian ace displayed remarkable grit and determination to bounce back and claim a 6-7(3), 7-6(4), 6-0 triumph in freezing cold conditions.
Aisam, known for his prowess on the court, kept the crowd engaged with a stellar performance in the initial stages. Ramkumar, though, steadily improved his returns as the match progressed, capitalizing on Aisam's struggles with double faults. A crucial moment in the match came when Ramkumar saved two break points in the eighth game of the second set, ultimately proving decisive for the outcome.
As the temperature dropped and the balls became challenging to control, Ramkumar's effective serving, including five aces in the first three service games, played a pivotal role in turning the tide. Despite Aisam's valiant efforts, the Indian emerged victorious in the second set tie-breaker, clinching the set on the fifth set point with an ace.
In the third set, Ramkumar capitalized on the momentum, breaking Aisam early and exploiting his opponent's struggles with forehand attacks. Aisam, battling physical discomfort, took a medical time-out to address his groin and hamstring issues. However, Ramkumar maintained his intensity, securing a comprehensive 6-0 victory in the final set to give India a crucial lead in the Davis Cup tie.
The spotlight now shifts to the second singles match, where N Sriram Balaji is set to take on Aqeel Khan, as the Davis Cup World Group I play-off between India and Pakistan continues.
(With inputs from PTI)
