India achieved a strong 2-0 lead against Togo in the Davis Cup World Group I play-off tie at the DLTA Complex in New Delhi. Sasikumar Mukund and Ramkumar Ramanathan claimed victories in their singles matches, beating Liova Ayite Ajavon and Thomas Setodji, respectively. Mukund won 6-2, 6-1, while Ramanathan triumphed 6-0, 6-2, setting a promising stage for the upcoming matches.
In a remarkable display of tennis prowess, India has secured a 2-0 lead against Togo in the Davis Cup World Group I play-off tie held at the DLTA Complex in New Delhi. On February 1, 2025, both Sasikumar Mukund and Ramkumar Ramanathan delivered commanding performances in their singles matches, setting a solid foundation for their team. Mukund’s victory over Liova Ayite Ajavon came with scores of 6-2, 6-1, followed by Ramanathan’s decisive 6-0, 6-2 win against Thomas Setodji.
Mukund, currently ranked No. 365, faced Ajavon and completed the match in just 44 minutes. Displaying high skill levels, he maintained a commanding advantage throughout, going from 0-4 in the second set before dropping his serve briefly. After regaining control, Mukund concluded the contest successfully, visibly celebrating in front of his mother, who was cheering in the stands.
In the subsequent match, Ramanathan, ranked No. 406, faced Setodji, who, despite being the only ranked player from Togo, struggled significantly throughout the encounter. Utilizing ten aces to strengthen his game, Ramanathan wrapped up his match in a swift 50 minutes, underlining the exceptional disparity between their ranks.
Looking ahead to Sunday’s proceedings, the Indian duo N Sriram Balaji and Rithvik Bollipalli, fresh from the Australian Open, are set to participate in their doubles match against Setodji and Padio Isak. Following this match, Mukund will go head-to-head with Setodji again, while Ramanathan is scheduled to compete against Ajavon.
The Davis Cup is an important international team competition in men’s tennis, allowing nations to show their talents on a global stage. The ties, structured in knockout format, pit countries against each other, with each match typically consisting of best-of-three sets. The World Group I play-off matches hold particular significance, as they determine qualification for future events, motivating players to perform at peak levels to secure victories for their nations. India has been a persistent participant in the Davis Cup, illustrating strong performances over the years, while Togo remains a less traditional competitor in the tennis realm. The matches in New Delhi featured players whose global rankings showcased a disparity, which was reflected in the match outcomes.
India’s commanding 2-0 lead against Togo in the Davis Cup reflects a noteworthy performance by both Sasikumar Mukund and Ramkumar Ramanathan, who secured wins in their respective matches. As the play-off progresses, anticipation builds for the doubles match featuring Balaji and Bollipalli, along with further singles encounters between the athletes. With strong foundations laid by Mukund and Ramanathan, India appears poised for success in this tie.
Original Source: www.indiatoday.in
