Synopsis
On Feb 1, 2025, India opened their Davis Cup campaign with a commanding 2-0 lead against Togo at the DLTA Complex. Mukund Sasikumar and Ramkumar Ramanathan showcased exceptional skills, winning their singles matches and putting Team India in a favorable position for victory.Key Takeaways
- India leads 2-0 against Togo in Davis Cup 2025.
- Mukund Sasikumar defeated Liova Ajavon 6-2, 6-1.
- Ramkumar Ramanathan won against Thomas Setodji 6-0, 6-2.
- Home crowd provided significant support during matches.
- Day Two will feature doubles and remaining singles matches.
New Delhi, Feb 1 (NationPress) India kicked off their Davis Cup 2025 journey on a high note Saturday, seizing a 2-0 lead against Togo during the initial day of the World Group I Playoffs at the DLTA Complex. Mukund Sasikumar and Ramkumar Ramanathan delivered stellar performances in their singles matches, putting Team India on the brink of victory.
Mukund dominated with a decisive 6-2, 6-1 win over Liova Ajavon, establishing the momentum for India's campaign and earning the first point. Following this, Ramkumar extended India's advantage with a commanding 6-0, 6-2 victory against Thomas Setodji, thrilling the home crowd at the DLTA Complex who waved tricolor flags and cheered passionately for each point.
In front of a supportive audience, Mukund began with confidence, winning the opening game before Ajavon leveled the score, creating an intense atmosphere. The turning point came in the third game when Mukund successfully defended a critical break point and broke Ajavon’s serve. Despite Ajavon’s efforts in the fifth game, Mukund held his ground and took the first set 6-2.
The second set saw Mukund exert his dominance, quickly racing to a 4-0 lead with remarkable precision in his serves and returns. He clinched the set 6-1, thereby winning the match. After a brief intermission, Ramkumar faced Setodji, quickly establishing control. Ramkumar's powerful forehands and aggressive baseline tactics left Setodji struggling, leading to a flawless first set score of 6-0.
Although Setodji showed resilience by winning two games in the second set, Ramkumar remained composed and maintained his dominance with precise serves and relentless groundstrokes. He ultimately secured a convincing 6-0, 6-2 victory, solidifying India's lead at the end of day one.
Commenting on the team's Day 1 performance, India's non-playing captain Rohit Rajpal stated, “Both players showed fantastic skills today. I’m pleased they adhered to the strategy and exhibited top-notch tennis. However, we must remain focused and finish strong tomorrow.”
“We thoroughly discussed our plans. The match seemed easy because they performed exceptionally well, preventing the opponents from settling into their rhythm. The boys executed the plan beautifully, making it appear easier than it was,” Rajpal added.
With just one more win needed to clinch the tie, Day Two will commence with N. Sriram Balaji and Rithvik Bollipalli competing against Setodji and Padio Isak in the doubles match, followed by Mukund and Ramkumar returning for two singles matches against Setodji and Ajavon, respectively.
Results (Day 1 Round-up):
Mukund Sasikumar (IND) def. Liova Ajavon (TOG) 6-2, 6-1
Ramkumar Ramanathan (IND) def. Thomas Setodji (TOG) 6-0, 6-2
