NEW DELHI: Sasikumar Mukund is set to make a significant return to the Davis Cup as India prepare to face Togo in the World Group I Play-off starting Saturday.
Once hailed as a promising talent by tennis legend Leander Paes, Mukund's career faced setbacks due to injuries and controversies, including an unannounced suspension following his Davis Cup debut in September 2023. Now 28 and primarily training in Austria, Mukund is eager to secure his first Davis Cup victory in the absence of Sumit Nagal.
India enter the tie as firm favorites against the lower-ranked Togo team. Mukund will commence the singles matches against Liova Ayite Ajavon, while Ramkumar Ramanathan is set to face Thomas Setodji, who holds an ATP ranking of 1256.
Despite the apparent disparity in rankings, Mukund remains cautious, reflecting on past experiences:
"Morocco was not an easy experience and hopefully tomorrow is the chance to redeem myself, and I can get to the finish line. It has been a while since I played in Morocco and I am much fitter and a better player now. I have put in a lot of hard work, in general."
Togo has demonstrated resilience, winning 10 of their last 11 ties, though they have yet to face higher-caliber teams like India. Indian captain Rohit Rajpal emphasizes the importance of not underestimating the opposition:
"It's a format based on merit. India had reached the final without being a seeded team. If they have reached the Playoffs, it means they have played at a good level."
In doubles, debutant Rithvik Choudary Bollipalli, who recently entered the top 100 in doubles rankings and competed in the Australian Open, will partner with N. Sriram Balaji. Balaji speaks highly of his partner:
"Playing with Rithvik suits me. He will play on the deuce side and I on the ad court side. I like his work ethics. He is focused and disciplined, he works hard. I enjoy playing with him."
The tie presents a pivotal opportunity for Mukund to contribute to India's success and for the team to advance to World Group I in September.
India vs Togo:
On Saturday:
Sasikumar Mukund vs Liova Ayite Ajavon
Ramkumar Ramanathan vs Thomas Setodji
On Sunday:
N Sriram Balaji/Rithvik Bollipalli vs Thomas Steodji/ Hod'Abalo Isak Padio
Sasikumar Mukund vs Thomas Setodji
Ramkumar Ramanathan vs Liova Ayite Ajavon.
