India’s men’s tennis team scripted a historic victory in Biel, Switzerland, defeating the ninth-seeded hosts 3–1 in the Davis Cup 2025 World Group I tie to seal their place in next year’s Qualifiers. The triumph marks India’s first away win against a European nation in 32 years, the last coming against France in 1993. Led by India’s top-ranked singles player Sumit Nagal and debutant Dhakshineswar Suresh, the team delivered a spirited performance across two days of intense competition.
The tie, held at the Swiss Tennis Arena on indoor hard courts, saw India take a commanding 2–0 lead on Day 1 before Switzerland clawed back with a doubles win. However, Nagal’s dominant display in the decisive fourth rubber ensured India’s passage to the 2026 Davis Cup World Group Qualifiers.
Day 1: India Takes Early Control
India’s campaign began with a surprise upset as Dhakshineswar Suresh defeated Swiss No.1 Jérôme Kym in straight sets. The 20-year-old Indian showcased composure and tactical maturity, winning 7–6(5), 6–3 to give India an early lead.
Sumit Nagal followed up with a clinical performance against Marc-Andrea Huesler, winning 6–3, 7–6(4). Nagal’s aggressive baseline play and consistent serving proved too much for the Swiss veteran, putting India 2–0 ahead.
| Day 1 Results – September 12, 2025 | Scoreline |
|---|---|
| Dhakshineswar Suresh vs Jérôme Kym | 7–6(5), 6–3 |
| Sumit Nagal vs Marc-Andrea Huesler | 6–3, 7–6(4) |
Day 2: Swiss Fightback in Doubles
Switzerland kept the tie alive with a hard-fought win in the doubles rubber. Jakub Paul and Dominic Stricker edged past N Sriram Balaji and Rithvik Bollipalli in a three-set thriller: 6–7(3), 6–4, 7–5. The Indian pair had chances to close out the match, especially in the second set, but failed to convert key breakpoints.
| Doubles Match – September 13, 2025 | Scoreline |
|---|---|
| Paul/Stricker vs Balaji/Bollipalli | 6–7(3), 6–4, 7–5 |
Despite the setback, India remained one win away from sealing the tie.
Sumit Nagal Delivers Decisive Blow
In the reverse singles, Switzerland replaced Kym with 18-year-old Henry Bernet, the reigning Australian Open junior champion. Nagal, unfazed by the change, dismantled the teenager 6–1, 6–3 in under 90 minutes. His relentless pressure, deep returns, and court coverage left Bernet struggling to find rhythm.
“Young ones are always tricky as you don’t know how they play. I was happy with the way I played the match,” Nagal said post-match.
| Decisive Singles Match – Sept 13, 2025 | Scoreline |
|---|---|
| Sumit Nagal vs Henry Bernet | 6–1, 6–3 |
With this win, India clinched the tie 3–1 and booked their place in the 2026 Davis Cup Qualifiers.
Match Summary: India vs Switzerland – Davis Cup 2025
| Rubber | Match | Result |
|---|---|---|
| 1st | Dhakshineswar Suresh vs Jérôme Kym | India won |
| 2nd | Sumit Nagal vs Marc-Andrea Huesler | India won |
| 3rd | Balaji/Bollipalli vs Paul/Stricker | Switzerland won |
| 4th | Sumit Nagal vs Henry Bernet | India won |
| Final Score | India 3–1 Switzerland |
Historic Context and Rankings Impact
India’s win over Switzerland is significant not just for its rarity but also for its impact on the Davis Cup rankings. India, ranked 37th before the tie, defeated the ninth-seeded Swiss team, causing a notable shift in the standings. Switzerland will now have to contest the World Group I play-offs in 2026.
| Davis Cup Rankings – Pre & Post Tie | India | Switzerland |
|---|---|---|
| Before Tie | 37th | 9th |
| After Tie | 28th (est.) | 15th (est.) |
India’s last away win in Europe came in 1993 when Leander Paes and Ramesh Krishnan led the team to a 3–2 victory over France in the quarterfinals. This latest triumph echoes that legacy and signals a resurgence in Indian men’s tennis.
Player Spotlight: Sumit Nagal
Sumit Nagal’s performance was the cornerstone of India’s success. Winning both his singles rubbers, Nagal showcased maturity, tactical awareness, and physical endurance. His win over Bernet was particularly impressive, given the Swiss youngster’s recent rise in junior tennis.
| Sumit Nagal – Davis Cup 2025 Stats | Matches Played | Wins | Sets Dropped |
|---|---|---|---|
| Singles | 2 | 2 | 0 |
| Doubles | Did not play | — | — |
Nagal’s leadership and consistency have made him India’s most reliable singles player, and his role will be crucial in the 2026 Qualifiers.
Road Ahead: Davis Cup 2026 Qualifiers
India will now compete in the Davis Cup 2026 World Group Qualifiers, scheduled for late January or early February. The draw will include top-tier nations, and India will need to win to enter the elite Davis Cup Finals.
| Next Steps for Team India | Timeline | Objective |
|---|---|---|
| Davis Cup Qualifiers | Jan–Feb 2026 | Win to enter Davis Cup Finals |
| Team Selection | December 2025 | Finalize squad |
| Training Camp | January 2026 | Prepare for high-ranked opponents |
India’s three-time runner-up history (1966, 1974, 1987) adds weight to their ambitions of returning to the top tier of global tennis.
Conclusion: A Statement Win for Indian Tennis
India’s 3–1 win over Switzerland in the Davis Cup 2025 World Group I tie is more than just a scoreline—it’s a statement of intent. With young talents like Dhakshineswar Suresh stepping up and veterans like Sumit Nagal leading from the front, Indian tennis is poised for a new era of competitiveness and global relevance.
The victory in Biel not only breaks a 32-year drought on European soil but also sets the stage for a thrilling campaign in the 2026 Qualifiers. For fans and players alike, this win is a reminder of what Indian tennis can achieve with grit, teamwork, and belief.
Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available match reports, tournament data, and verified news sources. It is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional sports analysis or betting advice. All rankings and schedules are subject to official updates from the Davis Cup governing body.
