India beat New Zealand 3-2 in the Davis Cup Group 1 tie

Yuki Bhambri won in straight sets

India defeated New Zealand 3-2 in the Davis Cup Asia/Oceania Group 1 tie to progress through to the World Group Playoffs after Yuki Bhambri sealed the fifth rubber 6-2 6-2 6-3 against Michael Venus in Christchurch on Sunday.

The opening set saw the Indian win 92% of the first serve points as compared to Venus’s 60 and also have a higher service percentages inside in both his first and second serves as compared to his New Zealand counterpart. Yuki also won 33 points in the set as compared to Venus’s 20.

The second set saw the Indian once again take the upper hand as he won 72% of his first service points and also all of his second serves inside. Just like the first set, Yuki once again won more number of winners in 31 as compared to Venus’s 22.

The third set saw  Yuki improve upon his first serve and continue to dominate on his second serve as he continued to pile on the pressure on his opponent to eventually win the set 6-3 and seal a memorable come-from-behind win for India.

This was also Yuki's second straight victory after he beat Jose Statham 6-2 6-1 6-3 in the second singles tie. Somdev Devvarman had made it 2-2 in India’s favour earlier in the day after beating Marcus Daniell in straights sets 6-4 6-4 6-4.