16 September 2023
“From Grand Slam Glory to Farewell: Bopanna’s Remarkable Journey”
Rohan Bopanna, the Indian tennis maestro, is about to embark on a journey that will be etched in the annals of Indian sports history. As the curtain rises on the World Group II Davis Cup battle between India and Morocco, the stage is set for an electrifying contest at the iconic Vijayant Khand Mini Stadium in the heart of Gomti Nagar, Lucknow. Bopanna, whose recent feat as the oldest player to grace a Grand Slam final at the US Open doubles final made headlines worldwide, will bid adieu to the Davis Cup with a blend of nostalgia and enthusiasm.
Let’s dive into the exhilarating world of the Davis Cup and uncover the gripping details of this two-day spectacle:
The Storied Davis Cup: Revered as the “World Cup of tennis,” the Davis Cup is the oldest and most prestigious international men’s tennis team competition, boasting a legacy spanning over 120 glorious years. With the participation of more than 135 nations, this tournament has been a source of immense pride for players and ardent Indian supporters alike. India’s illustrious Davis Cup journey has seen them narrowly miss the crown on three memorable occasions: in 1966, 1974, and 1987. The relentless efforts of the All India Tennis Association (AITA) have fueled the growth and evolution of the Davis Cup landscape, promising an exciting future.
The Epic Venue: All eyes are on the Vijayant Khand Mini Stadium, nestled in the vibrant heart of Gomti Nagar, Lucknow. This iconic venue, with its rich sporting history, serves as the perfect backdrop for a Davis Cup clash of titans.
Match Dates and Thrilling Timings:
Brace yourselves for an explosive start at 2 pm today.
The action resumes on Sunday at 1 pm, promising nail-biting encounters.
Live Broadcast Extravaganza: Don’t miss out on the live action! Tune in to catch every exhilarating moment on Doordarshan Sports and Sony Sports Network, as India and Morocco vie for supremacy.
Meet the Gladiators:
Team India:
Rohan Bopanna: The seasoned doubles specialist, currently ranked World No. 7, has been a stalwart of India’s Davis Cup team since 2002. Bopanna’s remarkable journey includes two appearances in the US Open final (2010 & 2023) and the historic 2017 French Open mixed-doubles title, making him the fourth Indian to clinch a Grand Slam trophy.
Davis Cup Record: With 32 ties under his belt, Bopanna boasts a win-loss record of 22-27, with 10 wins and 17 losses in singles and an impressive 12-10 record in doubles.
Sumit Nagal: This rising star secured the 2015 Wimbledon boys’ doubles title alongside Vietnamese partner Ly Hoang Nam, etching his name as the sixth Indian to conquer a junior Grand Slam. In 2019, Nagal made waves with his Grand Slam debut, stunning audiences by claiming the first set against none other than Roger Federer. His current world ranking stands at 156.
Davis Cup Record: Nagal has featured in six ties, balancing his record at 4-4.
Sasikumar Mukund: At 26, Mukund marked his ATP main draw debut at the 2020 Maharashtra Open, receiving a coveted wildcard for the singles main draw. He currently holds the 365th spot in the world singles rankings, promising a bright future.
Davis Cup Record: Mukund, although yet to play a match in the tournament, brings youth and vigor to the Indian team.
Yuki Bhambri: In 2009, Bhambri’s meteoric rise culminated in his ascent to the world junior number one position, following a victory at the Australian Open Junior Championship. As the first Indian to secure the junior Australian Open title and the fourth in history to capture a junior singles Grand Slam, Bhambri boasts an impressive legacy.
Davis Cup Record: Bhambri’s 14-9 win-loss record in 13 ties since 2009 is the most successful in the tournament.
Rohit Rajpal: Leading the Indian team as the non-playing captain, Rohit Rajpal brings his strategic expertise and guidance to the forefront.
Team Morocco:
The Moroccan squad features the formidable lineup of Elliot Benchetrit, Yassine Dlimi, Adam Moundir, and Younes Lalami Laaroussi, with the experienced Mehdi Tahiri at the helm as the non-playing captain.
The Match Format and Statistical Showdown:
Prepare for five thrilling encounters, comprising four high-octane singles matches and one captivating doubles clash. The victors of at least three of these intense battles will emerge triumphant in this Davis Cup extravaganza.
The Draw (16 Sep 2023):
(First singles) Sasikumar Mukund vs Yassine Dlimi
(Second singles) Sumit Nagal vs Adam Moundir
The Draw (17 Sep 2023):
(Doubles) Rohan Bopanna-Yuki Bhambri vs Elliot Benchetrit-Younes Lalami Laaroussi
(Third singles) Sumit Nagal vs Yassine Dlimi
(Fourth singles) Sasikumar Mukund vs Adam Moundir
The Road Ahead for India: A triumph against Morocco will propel India into the 2024 Davis Cup World Group I play-offs, a tantalizing prospect that could shape the future of Indian tennis.
As the Davis Cup action unfolds, be prepared for a spectacle of unmatched intensity, as India and Morocco vie for supremacy on the hallowed courts of Lucknow. Rohan Bopanna’s farewell promises to be nothing short of legendary, and this battle will undoubtedly leave a lasting imprint on the tennis landscape. Stay tuned for history in the making!
