Davis Cup 2026 qualifiers: India prepares for key weekend tie

The 2026 Davis Cup Qualifiers continued to heat up Friday, with nations across the globe battling for a spot in the second qualifying round in September. Each tie, played over two days with five rubbers, is shaping up to be a high-stakes test of skill, strategy, and endurance.

In Oslo, Great Britain took a 2‑0 lead over Norway , with Jack Draper making a remarkable comeback from injury to beat Viktor Durasovic 6‑2, 6‑2, followed by Cameron Norrie’s 6‑4, 6‑4 win. The British duo now holds an advantage heading into the remaining rubbers.

Meanwhile, in Bengaluru , preparations are in full swing as India hosts the Netherlands at the S. M. Krishna Tennis Stadium on 7-8 February. The teams are level 2‑2 head-to-head, promising a closely contested tie. India’s top singles player Sumit Nagal , recovering from a minor hip strain, is set to face Guy den Ouden in the opening rubber, while Dhakshineswar Suresh will take on Jesper de Jong . India’s doubles pairing of Yuki Bhambri and N. Sriram Balaji will feature on day two, aiming to secure a crucial point for the home side.

The Dutch squad, led by former doubles world No. 1 Paul Haarhuis , arrives confident, with de Jong and den Ouden ready to challenge India’s lineup, while doubles specialists Sander Arends and David Pel will test India’s pairing. Both teams will aim to dominate the singles rubbers on Saturday before the doubles and reverse singles decide the tie on Sunday.

Elsewhere, Canada hosts Brazil in Vancouver , while Germany, Chile, Croatia, Ecuador, Hungary, Japan, Czechia, France, and other nations contest first-round qualifiers worldwide. Winners from this stage will advance to September’s second round, moving closer to the Davis Cup Final 8 , while losing teams regroup for World Group I play-offs.

With home conditions and crowd support in Bengaluru, India hopes to use the advantage to spark a strong run in the competition. The tie promises high-intensity matches, pivotal moments, and a thrilling weekend for tennis fans.