Davis Cup: Nagal, Ramkumar lose as Spain whitewash India 5-0

Spain's Marc Lopez returns against Indiau00c3u0083u00c2u00a2u00c3u0082u00c2u0080u00c3u0082u00c2u0099s Sumit Nagal during the Davis Cup match at RK Khanna Stadium in New Delhi yesterday. Pic/PTI

Spain's Marc Lopez returns against India's Sumit Nagal during the Davis Cup match at RK Khanna Stadium in New Delhi yesterday. Pic/PTI

New Delhi: Spain completed a 5-0 whitewash of India in the World Group Play-off match at the RK Khanna DLTA Complex. Coming into the reverse singles with unassailable 3-0 lead, they put doubles specialist Marc Lopez against Sumit Nagal, who came in for Saketh Myneni.

With the reverse singles being reduced to three-set affairs, Lopez took all of three sets before winning the match that was not only a test of fitness and nerves but also swung from one side to the other. Lopez won 6-3, 1-6, 6-3.

David Ferrer beat Ramanathan Ramkumar 6-2, 6-2 in the final singles to complete the rout yesterday.

Spain in World Group
The win in the tie also signaled the return of five-time Davis Cup winners, Spain, into World Group. And for India, it will be a continuance in the Asia/Oceania Group Stage.

Sumit Nagal

The 34-year-old Lopez, won his first Grand Slam at Roland Garros this year with Feliciano Lopez, also won the Olympic gold in Rafael Nadal's company. Lopez who hardly ever plays singles these days, gave Nagal, 15 years younger than him, a lesson in grit and fitness.

After coming through a grueling four-setter doubles clash which ended past 11 pm on Saturday after three hours and 20 minutes, Lopez survived the heat and humidity and Nagal's inspired show in the second set.

But into the third set Nagal himself was finding it difficult to even stand. Nagal himself was unsure.

Sumit's mystery injury
"I fought well (sic) and hope to do better next time. Unfortunately the doctors are unsure of what the injury is. Will have it look at later," he said.