Read on to know about Indian performance in
David Cup tennis tournament
India in Davis Cup
Davis Cup is one of the prestigious international competitions of men's tennis. The Davis Cup is played in a knock-out format, between teams of players from competing countries. Commenced in the 1900s, the players of the United States and Great Britain initially dominated the Davis Cup. So far, the United States has emerged as the most successful country in the history of Davis Cup, followed by Australia and Great Britain and British Isles. The European countries of France, Sweden and Germany and Italy have managed to score few wins, while countries including Argentina, India, Romania, Belgium, Japan, Mexico, Chile, Switzerland and Slovakia have not registered any win at the Davis Cup, up till now.
Although Indian tennis players have not brought the much coveted Davis Cup to their homeland, they have been putting up a commendable performance in the competitions of the Cup. Despite the lack of higher-ranked players in its roster, Indian flag has been flying high in Davis Cup tournament, thanks to some inspiring displays driven by the national pride. In its debut appearance, India caused a sensation by steamrolling the mighty French en route, to the semi final. Since then, India has been able to hold her own against more fancied nations, riding on flashes of individual brilliance. In this article, we have discussed about India's performance in Davis Cup, so far.
Indian Performance in Davis Cup Competition
- In the 1960s, India managed to become the Zonal Champions time and again, and played the Inter - Zonal finals as well.
- The year 1966 is remarkable in the history of tennis in India, because the Indian players reached the Davis Cup finals, when Ramanathan Krishnan teamed with Premjit Lal, S. P. Misra and Jaidip Mukherjea. Even though they lost the Cup, the Krishnan and Mukerjea duo proved to be a nightmare for the Wimbledon Champions New Combe and Tony Roche (1965), in the Doubles event.
- In 1974, India, possessing an awesome double pair in Vijay and Anand Amritraj, made it to the Davis Cup final, for the second time. Despite being in contention for the coveted title, India refused to play their opponent South Africa, in protest of the racist colonial rule prevailing in the latter.
- The 1980s saw the emergence of Ramesh Krishnan, who played a pivotal role in steering India to its third Davis Cup final, by beating the Aussie player - Wally Masur - in straight sets.
- Leander Paes and Mahesh Bhupathi paired up to represent India at the Davis Cup held in 2004. The pair secured two ties.
