India looks to register its first victory against Sweden in Davis Cup starting September 14

Despite the absence of India's top players, the country's Davis Cup team is optimistic about its chances for a first-ever win against Sweden in the World Group I contest beginning on September 14.

India has never defeated Sweden in Davis Cup history, and the team is missing its best singles and doubles players, Sumit Nagal and Yuki Bhambri, for different reasons. However, the team believes it can defy the historical trend in this sixth attempt, especially since the Swedish line-up is not particularly strong. While the medium-speed court at the Royal Tennis Hall in Stockholm may favour Sweden in the indoor tie, India's big servers would have preferred a faster court.

Doubles specialists to lead India's first victory against Sweden

On the opening day, the Indian team will rely heavily on Ramkumar Ramanathan, while the decision for the second singles position is still being deliberated. The team has the option of choosing between Niki Poonacha and N Sriram Balaji.

Although Siddharth Vishwakarma, a former national champion, is a compelling choice, it's likely that he may not be selected to play a live rubber in a high-stakes tie, given his relative inexperience at this level.

It wouldn't be surprising if captain Rohit Rajpal assigns the singles duty to doubles specialist Balaji, as was the case in the previous tie against Pakistan on the grass court. Balaji performed exceptionally well earlier this year, defeating veteran Aqeel Khan in Islamabad, and he is demonstrating good form in Stockholm.

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Poonacha is a promising talent, although his fitness may be in question after spraining his ankle during practice upon arrival. Additionally, he seems to be more focused on playing doubles on the Tour. 

"We have better servers, and our players like to get in, play shorter points but these are medium-speed courts, so we are getting used to it by playing a lot of singles with each other," Rajpal told PTI.

If Yuki and Sumit had been present, India's chances would have been more favourable, but now the situation seems more balanced. Leo Borg, the second singles player for Sweden, has shown significant improvement, and the Indian coaching staff are closely observing his performance. The Swedish doubles team also poses a tough challenge.

Coach's Take on the Tie

According to the Indian Davis Cup team coach, Ashutosh Singh, India has a 'fair chance' to win their first-ever Davis Cup tie against Sweden. He suggests that rankings don't mean anything, it's the recent performance that matters the most. Indian tennis contingent has participated in Grand Slam-level competitions and appears far more competitive than their opposition on paper.

The draw is scheduled for Friday. Singles matches will take place on the first day, with doubles and reverse singles scheduled for Sunday. The victor of the tie will progress to next year's Qualifiers, while the loser will compete in the World Group I play-offs.

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