Davis Cup: Ramkumar loses second singles; India stares at loss

IMAGE: Ramkumar Ramnathan was crushed by Norway’s Viktor Durasovic within the second singles of the Davis Cup World Group first spherical tie in Lillehammer, Norway, on Friday. {Photograph}: Adam Hagy/Getty Photos

The Indian group is watching a heavy defeat in its Davis Cup World Group first spherical tie after conceding a 0-2 result in hosts Norway following Ramkumar Ramnathan’s loss to Viktor Durasovic within the second singles in Lillehammer, Norway.

Ramkumar, the primary singles participant for India, did not stay as much as expectations as he suffered a 1-6, 4-6 loss to his lower-ranked opponent Durasovic in a single hour and 16 minutes on Friday evening.

After Prajnesh Gunneswaran misplaced to world No 2 and US Open runner-up Casper Ruud 1-6, 4-6 in an anticipated outcome within the first singles, the onus was on Ramkumar to maintain India within the tie by successful the second match.

However it was not be as Ramkumar, ranked 276 on this planet, was no match for 325th-ranked Durasovic who broke Ramkumar’s serve thrice and despatched down 12 aces as in comparison with three of his Indian opponent on the Hakons Corridor Laborious Courtroom indoor facility.

Durasovic despatched down 5 aces within the first set whereas breaking Ramkumar’s serve twice. Within the first set, Ramkumar was in a position to maintain solely his first service to make it 1-1 however after that it was Durasovic all the best way. Ramkumar additionally had two double faults which made issues worse for him as Durasovic took the primary set simply.

Ramkumar tried to come back again within the second set however he failed to carry his second service sport handy Durasovic a 2-1 lead. The Indian was unable to interrupt Durasovic’s function the Norwegian fired seven aces. Main 5-4, Durasovic held onto his serve to shut out the match.

Earlier, within the first singles on Friday, world No 2 Casper Ruud expectedly was too good for India’s Prajnesh Gunneswaran, giving Norway a 1-0 lead.

Ruud, who completed runner-up on the US Open after taking place to Carlos Alcaraz on Monday, turned up for nationwide obligation 4 days later and did the job for his group. He beat the 335-ranked Indian in straight units in a single hour and two minutes.

After being completely outplayed within the first set, Prajnesh lifted his sport within the second  to make Ruud’s process harder. Whereas the Indian did not get a break level, his extra achieved opponent transformed three out of the 5 alternatives he bought.

On the second day on Saturday, Yuki Bhambri and Saketh Myneni will face Ruud and Durasovic within the doubles. Within the reverse singles, Ramkumar will probably be up towards Ruud, whereas Prajnesh faces Durasovic.