Davis Cup: Nagal falters as Korea end India’s historic Final 8 hopes with 3-1 win

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Sumit Nagal was unable to mount the kind of fightback that is his hallmark, even as he tried hard in the second set | Photo Credit: AP

India missed a historic opportunity to become the first Asian nation to reach the Davis Cup Final 8 under the new format as a listless Sumit Nagal succumbed to Soon Woo Kwon in the reverse singles, handing Korea a 3-1 victory in the Qualifier Round 2 tie on Saturday (September 19, 2026).

After Dhakshineswar Suresh and N. Sriram Balaji had revived India's hopes with a fighting doubles victory to cut the deficit to 1-2, Nagal needed to produce his best in the must-win rubber but instead endured a forgettable outing in the difficult heat, losing 1-6 2-6 to Korea number one Soon Woo Kwon.

Kwon was all over Nagal from the outset, dictating the exchanges and making Nagal look a pale shadow of the fighter who had pushed Hyeon Chung to a three-hour battle on the opening day. The Korean raced through the opening set 6-1, with Nagal struggling to find either his rhythm or intensity.

Sumit Nagal was unable to mount the kind of fightback that is his hallmark, even as he tried hard in the second set.

Korea's victory also made them the first Asian team to qualify for the Davis Cup knockout stage since the competition's format was revamped, completing a historic breakthrough for Korean tennis.

For India, it was a bitter end to what had been a promising campaign. Having beaten the Netherlands earlier this year, the Indians had arrived in Seoul with a genuine chance of breaking new ground, only to fall short after losing both opening singles and then failing to complete the comeback despite the doubles rescue act.

The tie could also mark the final Davis Cup appearance of captain Rohit Rajpal, whose contract runs until December 2026. An extension has not yet been announced and his continuation at the helm remains uncertain.

Earlier, India needed something different after falling 0-2 behind and they turned to Dhakshineswar, replacing Niki Poonacha with the player they believed had the level and temperament to produce a result in the most difficult circumstances.

It was a calculated gamble and one that eventually worked as they won 6-3 3-6 6-3.

The opening set offered an immediate indication of India's intent. Rather than allowing the Koreans to settle, the Indians repeatedly attacked Nam's serve, with both players stepping in to hammer returns and winners.

They created four break opportunities in one game before finally making the pressure tell. Balaji produced a fierce return to create the first chance, Dhakshineswar came up with a winner for the second and then forced another opportunity with his forehand return.

The Koreans survived through some impressive net play, but the pressure was relentless. Eventually, Balaji found a volley winner that finally broke their resistance.