N. Sriram Balaji and Rithvik Choudary Bollipalli played an impressive match on Sunday, ensuring India’s spot in the Davis Cup World Group I with a decisive win that gave the team a 3-0 lead against Togo in the playoff tie.
With India already ahead 2-0, the team needed just one more victory out of the day’s three matches. Balaji and Bollipalli stepped up to the challenge and quickly defeated Togo’s M’lapa Tingou Akomolo and Hod’abalo Isak Padio with a score of 6-2, 6-1. The match lasted only 57 minutes at the DLTA Complex.
Togo’s strategy was impacted by the absence of their top player, Thomas Setodji, who had to be replaced by Akomolo due to an arm injury. This change proved costly, as Akomolo struggled to hold serve throughout the match.
Balaji showcased exceptional serving skills and maintained a high level of performance, losing just one point on his serve. This match was a continuation of Balaji and Bollipalli’s successful partnership, having won a Challenger tournament together the previous year.
Bollipalli faced a bit of pressure during his first service game on debut but managed to regain his composure. The Indians quickly took control, earning their first break in the third game. Akomolo served, but a well-placed return by Bollipalli created two break points for India.
After some exciting exchanges, Akomolo’s return shot went long, giving India a 3-1 lead. Balaji continued to serve strongly, extending the lead to 4-1. As the set progressed, Akomolo struggled with his serves, even hitting consecutive double faults that gave the Indians two set points.
Though Togo managed to save the first set point, Bollipalli secured the set with an impressive overhead volley on the second chance. The Indians maintained their momentum, breaking serve again early in the second set, making it clear that Togo was in trouble.
Despite a double fault from Balaji at one point, the team held strong. Padio also lost his serve, and Bollipalli confidently served out the match for India.
Looking ahead, India may give young player Karan Singh his debut in the remaining matches of the tie, but Sunday’s performance put the team firmly in control.
