New Delhi, 09 February (H.S.): Indian cricket star Rishabh Pant lavished praise on Monday for the men's tennis team's unforgettable 3-2 victory over world No. 6 Netherlands in Davis Cup Qualifiers Round-1, calling it a landmark achievement for Indian tennis.

On Sunday in Bengaluru, world-ranked 457 Daksheshwar Suresh orchestrated the win with commanding performances, securing India's advance to September's Round-2 qualifiers where a berth in the elite eight-team Davis Cup Finals awaits.

Pant posted on X: Big win for Indian tennis in Davis Cup Qualifiers. Beating a strong team like Netherlands to reach the next round isn't easy. Showed great spirit, played brilliantly boys.

Suresh ignited the tie Saturday by defeating Netherlands' top player Jasper de Jong, granting India a crucial early edge. He then paired with Yuki Bhambri Sunday for their debut doubles outing against David Pel and Sander Arends, prevailing 7-6(0), 3-6, 7-6(1) in a gripping three-plus-hour marathon to seize a 2-1 lead.

Sumit Nagal battled a Grade-2 right thigh tear in the reverse singles yet pushed de Jong to 5-7, 6-1, 6-4, leveling at 2-2 and affording Suresh vital recovery before the decider.

Suresh clinched the destiny match against Guy Den Ouden, becoming the first Indian since 2004 to win three rubbers in a Davis Cup tie—marking India's finest performance in 15 years.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar