Seoul (South Korea): India’s hopes of reaching the Davis Cup Final 8 ended after a 1-3 defeat to South Korea, despite a spirited fightback from Dhakshineswar Suresh and N Sriram Balaji in the doubles rubber on September 19.

Trailing 0-2 after the opening singles matches, India needed victories in both matches on the second day to stay alive. Suresh and Balaji delivered a crucial win, defeating Ji Sung Nam and Uisung Park 6-3, 3-6, 6-3 to reduce the deficit and keep India’s hopes alive.

The Indian team made a tactical change before the doubles match, replacing Niki Poonacha with Suresh, who partnered experienced campaigner Balaji. The pair made a strong start, breaking the Korean serve in the opening set before their opponents fought back to level the match.

In the deciding set, Suresh and Balaji held their nerve, breaking Nam’s serve in the eighth game before sealing victory with a composed finish.

However, India’s hopes rested on Sumit Nagal in the reverse singles, and the top-ranked Indian failed to deliver. Nagal was beaten 1-6, 2-6 by Soonwoo Kwon, who dominated proceedings with his aggressive baseline play.

Kwon, ranked 157th in the world, controlled the match against Nagal, ranked 247th, and gave South Korea the decisive victory.

The defeat ended India’s campaign and ensured South Korea became the first Asian team to reach the Davis Cup knockout stage under the revamped format. India will now return to the Qualifier Round 1 in 2027.