- Sasikumar Mukund wins 6-2, 6-1 in the opening singles match.
- Ramkumar Ramanathan easily beats Thomas Setodji 6-0, 6-2.
- India leads 2-0 heading into the third rubber with N Sriram Balaji and Rithvik Choudary Bollipalli.
India took a commanding 2-0 lead in their World Group I play-off tie against Togo, with both Sasikumar Mukund and Ramkumar Ramanathan securing easy victories.
The results were a sharp contrast to Togo’s pre-match confidence, with Ajavon and Setodji struggling throughout. Mukund used his solid backhand returns and net play to outmaneuver Ajavon, while Ramanathan capitalized on Setodji’s unforced errors and injury struggles.
India Clinches Early Lead Against Togo in Davis Cup Play-off
Sasikumar Mukund delivered a dominant performance in the opening rubber of the Davis Cup World Group I play-off against Togo, defeating Liova Ayite Ajavon 6-2, 6-1. Mukund displayed his superior skills on the slow surface, frequently charging to the net and hitting strong winners. Despite Ajavon’s best efforts to defend, Mukund’s all-around game proved too much.
Ramkumar Ramanathan followed with an equally impressive victory, crushing Togo’s Thomas Setodji 6-0, 6-2. The match, which lasted just 50 minutes, highlighted Setodji’s struggles with a taped arm and unforced errors, leaving him unable to provide any real challenge to the 365th-ranked Indian.
Ajavon, ranked well outside the top 1000, found himself on the back foot from the outset, as Mukund continuously targeted his weaknesses. Mukund broke Ajavon’s serve multiple times in the first set, eventually taking the lead in just 37 minutes. The second set continued in the same vein, as Mukund sealed the win with relative ease.
With India leading 2-0, the third rubber will feature N Sriram Balaji and Rithvik Choudary Bollipalli, who are now tasked with securing India’s spot in the World Group I. The team will look to finish the tie on a high note and continue their push for global Davis Cup success.
India‘s strong start in the Davis Cup tie against Togo places them in a favorable position to advance to the World Group I. With Mukund and Ramanathan in fine form, India looks poised for a smooth victory.
“The key to success was staying aggressive and focused, just as Mukund did when he relentlessly attacked Ajavon’s backhand to secure a dominant win.”
