Tennis

India to Face Sweden in Davis Cup World Group-1 EncounterIndian tennis star Sriram Balaji will lead the charge for India against Sweden in the Davis Cup World Group-1 encounter, which will be played on indoor hard courts at the Royal Tennis Hall in Stockholm on Saturday. Balaji will open the campaign against Elias Ymer, ranked 238th in the world.The Indian team, which includes Ramkumar Ramanathan, will rely on the duo to secure the first day's play. Balaji and Ramanathan were instrumental in India's 4-0 victory over Pakistan in the World Group play-off earlier this year.Captain Rohit Rajpal has hinted at repeating the players in singles and doubles, after observing their performance in training. The team will depend on Balaji and Ramanathan to shoulder the doubles rubber against Filip Bergevi and Andre Goransson.Ramkumar will face Leo Borg, the son of legendary Bjorn Borg, in the second singles on the opening day. Borg, ranked 603rd, may be less experienced than his father, but he has a strong foundation, having been ranked No.12 in the world as a junior.Sweden has never lost to India in the five ties they have played over the years. In fact, India has managed to win only two rubbers in all. However, the Indian team is determined to break this streak and secure a victory on Swedish soil.The matches on the first day are scheduled to start from 5.30 p.m. IST, while the second day's play, which will feature the doubles followed by the two reverse singles matches, will start at 3.30 p.m. IST. Sony Sports will broadcast the matches live for the Indian audience.

The All India Tennis Association (AITA) has confirmed the participation of Sumit Nagal and the doubles pair of Rohan Bopanna and Sriram Balaji in the upcoming Paris Olympics. Nagal, ranked 71 in singles, has had a successful season, winning two Challenger titles and reaching the final of another. He also had a remarkable run at the Australian Open, where he qualified and defeated Alexander Bublik of Kazakhstan, a top-20 professional.Bopanna and Balaji have been a formidable doubles team, consistently performing well on the ATP Tour. They have won multiple titles together and have represented India at the Davis Cup. Their experience and chemistry will be crucial for India's medal hopes in Paris.Nagal's inclusion in the Olympic squad is a testament to his hard work and dedication. He has been a rising star in Indian tennis for several years and has consistently improved his ranking. His success at the Challenger level and his performance at the Australian Open have demonstrated his potential to compete at the highest level.Bopanna and Balaji's selection is a recognition of their consistent performances and their ability to perform under pressure. They have been a reliable doubles team for India and have played a key role in the country's success in international competitions.The AITA has expressed its confidence in the trio, stating that they will make the nation proud and inspire future generations of tennis players in India. The Paris Olympics will be a major test for the Indian tennis team, and the presence of Nagal, Bopanna, and Balaji will give them a strong chance of success.