Bengaluru, Feb. 7 -- Netherlands' Guy den Ouden said "crowd energy really motivated me" after producing a stunning performance to defeat India's Sumit Nagal 6-0, 4-6, 6-3 in the opening singles match of the first-round Davis Cup 2026 tie at the SM Krishna Tennis Stadium on Saturday. The victory gave the Netherlands a crucial 1-0 lead in the tie and sent shockwaves through the Bengaluru fans.
Den Ouden described the win as a "dream come true," crediting both his team and the stadium atmosphere for helping him through a tense encounter. "The fan energy really motivated me, and I'm really happy to get through," he said.
The match was a rollercoaster of emotions. Den Ouden dominated the first set, Nagal fought back in the second, and the thir...