Dhakshineswar Suresh, a 25-year-old tennis player from Madurai, Tamil Nadu, has emerged as India's new hope in the sport, overcoming years of struggle and setbacks due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Suresh led India to a historic 3-2 Davis Cup victory over the Netherlands, securing three crucial wins. This remarkable feat included winning both his singles matches and partnering with Yuki Bhambri to clinch the doubles, a rare achievement in Indian Davis Cup history.
Standing tall at 6 feet 5 inches, Suresh brings a unique physicality to Indian tennis, coupling it with a power-oriented game characterized by a strong serve and aggressive baseline strokes. His journey to this point has been anything but conventional. While many Indian tennis players follow the traditional path, Suresh honed his skills in the United States college system. He initially played at Georgia Gwinnett College before transferring to Wake Forest University. Competing at the highest collegiate level sharpened his physical game and match temperament, qualities that have proven invaluable in his professional transition.
Suresh's career faced significant hurdles. He was among many who suffered setbacks during the COVID-19 pandemic. He also had an injury that took him a year to recover from. In 2022, Suresh moved to the USA to get his undergraduate degree, which is gradually paying off.
His progress on the ATP Challenger Tour has been steady, marked by a series of impressive results. At the Bengaluru Open, Suresh scored an upset against Duje Ajdukovic, who was ranked higher, and a comeback against Felix Balshaw. In January 2026, he reached a career-high ATP singles ranking of No. 468. Earlier in 2025, he reached a career-best No. 352 in doubles. His accomplishments were acknowledged when he was awarded ITD Male Player of the Year in 2025. Suresh is also part of the ATP Next Gen Accelerator program.
In the Davis Cup Qualifiers against the Netherlands, Suresh demonstrated his ability to perform under pressure. After Sumit Nagal lost the opening singles match, Suresh leveled the tie by defeating Dutch No. 1 Jesper de Jong 6-4, 7-5. He then partnered with Yuki Bhambri to win a crucial doubles match. In the final match, Suresh secured the historic victory by defeating Guy Den Ouden 6-4, 7-6(4).
Dhakshineswar’s success can be attributed to his powerful serve, a weapon he developed with guidance from coach Rajeev Vijayakumar and mentor Somdev Devvarman. Devvarman, who also excelled in the American collegiate circuit, encouraged Suresh to pursue that route, emphasizing the solid base, excellent coaching, and educational opportunities it provides. Suresh's ability to maintain a high first-serve percentage under pressure and his aggressive baseline strokes make him a formidable opponent.
With his recent Davis Cup heroics, Dhakshineswar Suresh has not only propelled India closer to the Davis Cup World Group but has also ignited a new wave of enthusiasm for tennis in the country. His journey, marked by perseverance and a modern, power-oriented game, makes him a role model for aspiring tennis players and a player to watch on the international stage.