Skip to content 
Search

Latest Stories

Spain back in Davis Cup World Group after 5-0 India whitewash

Spain capped their return to the Davis Cup World Group by completing a 5-0 whitewash against India in New Delhi on Sunday (September 18).

World number four Rafael Nadal was rested for the two dead rubbers on the final day as Marc Lopez and David Ferrer maintained Spain’s dominance in the World Group play-off tie.


Marc Lopez beat Sumit Nagal 6-3, 1-6, 6-3 while Ferrer outclassed Ramkumar Ramanathan 6-2, 6-2 in the reverse singles matches at Delhi’s RK Khanna Tennis Stadium. Nadal, who pulled out of the opening singles match due to a stomach bug, ensured Spain’s re-entry into the elite group with his doubles win with Marc Lopez the previous day.

Nadal and Lopez, who won a doubles gold in the recent Rio Olympics, overcame a tough battle against India’s Leander Paes and Saketh Myneni 4-6, 7-6 (7-2), 6-4 6-4.

The 43-year-old Paes, with his neat serve and volley, showed why he is a dangerous doubles player.

“He played a great match. It was a pleasure to play him in his country. One of the biggest stars of doubles and one of the best players in the history of doubles,” said Nadal.

Paes returned the compliments by praising Nadal and the Spanish team.

“We were playing the Olympic gold medallists. They were a tough world-class team. Marc and Rafa are great players. Rafa is a legend,” Paes said of his opponents.

Five-time Davis Cup champions Spain made their way into the elite group after two years. They had lost to Germany in the first round of the World Group in 2014.

“We are happy to be back in the world group and that’s the most important thing. That’s where we think we need to be with a lot of our players in the top hundred,” 14-time Grand Slam winner Nadal told reporters.

“That was our goal and we did it. The team here and all the players who are not here have made their contributions and everybody is happy.”

A delighted Spain captain Conchita Martinez echoed the sentiment, adding: “That was the main plan, to get into the world group. We’re very happy to finally get there. From now on we can dream bigger.”

The 13th-ranked Ferrer and Feliciano Lopez, who took the court in place of Nadal on the opening day, made things easy for Spain after winning their respective singles matches.

India will stay in their World group.

More For You

Wimbledon 2025: Swiatek Overcomes McNally to Enter Third Round

The third round in 22 consecutive Grand Slams

Getty Images

Iga Swiatek rallies past McNally to reach Wimbledon third round

Summary

     
  • Swiatek battles back: Iga Swiatek overcame a shaky start to defeat American Caty McNally 5-7, 6-2, 6-1 and reach the third round at Wimbledon.
  • Early scare: McNally, ranked 208, came from 1-4 down to take the first set, capitalising on Swiatek’s struggles on grass.
  • Swift turnaround: Swiatek raised her aggression in the second set, dominating the rest of the match and losing just three more games.
  • Grand Slam consistency: The 23-year-old became only the third woman this century to reach the third round in 22 consecutive Grand Slams.
  • Familiar foe: Swiatek and McNally were former junior doubles partners, winning the French Open girls' title together in 2018.


Keep ReadingShow less
Akash-Deep-Getty

Akash Deep gave away 12 runs in his first over but returned to bowl a double-wicket maiden in his second. (Photo: Getty Images)

Getty Images

England in trouble after Gill’s double century and Akash Deep’s early strikes

INDIA captain Shubman Gill scored his first Test double century as India posted 587 in their first innings on the second day of the second Test against England at Edgbaston on Thursday. England were 77-3 at stumps, trailing by 510 runs.

Gill’s 269 was the foundation of India’s innings, before stand-in fast bowler Akash Deep removed two England batters in consecutive balls. Deep is playing in this match as Jasprit Bumrah, the world’s top-ranked Test bowler, is being rested. Bumrah is set to play only three of the five matches in this series due to a back injury.

Keep ReadingShow less
IND vs ENG

Shree Charani of India (2R) celebrates the wicket of Amy Jones during the 2nd women's T20 match between England and India in Bristol on July 1, 2025. (Photo: Getty Images)

Getty Images

India look to clinch maiden women's T20I series win against England

INDIA will look to secure their first women’s T20I series win over England when they play the third match of the five-game series on Friday. India currently lead the series 2-0.

England will be without their captain Nat Sciver-Brunt, who has been ruled out of the match due to a left groin injury.

Keep ReadingShow less
Gill becomes first Asian captain to score double-century in England

Shubman Gill reacts to reaching his double hundred on day two of the second cricket test match against England at Edgbaston cricket ground in Birmingham, central England on July 3, 2025. (Photo by DARREN STAPLES/AFP via Getty Images)

Gill becomes first Asian captain to score double-century in England

SHUBMAN GILL etched his name in cricket history on Thursday (3), becoming the first Indian and Asian captain to score a double-century in a Test match on English soil as he powered India to a commanding position at Edgbaston.

The 25-year-old skipper scored 269 on the second day of the second Test, having shattered multiple records in a masterful innings that has put England to the sword.

Keep ReadingShow less
Diogo Jota

Jota scored nine goals in all competitions last season as Liverpool won their 20th Premier League title. (Photo: Getty Images)

Getty Images

Liverpool’s Diogo Jota dies in car crash in Spain

LIVERPOOL forward Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva died in a car crash in Spain early on Thursday, police said. The crash occurred weeks after the Portugal international got married.

The Civil Guard confirmed that a vehicle veered off a motorway and caught fire shortly after midnight in Cernadilla, in the northwestern Zamora province. The crash resulted in the deaths of Jota, 28, and his brother.

Keep ReadingShow less