Indian captain S.P Misra was a relieved man Sunday when his top player Somdev Devvarman pulled off a sensational victory against South Africa's No.1 Rik De Voest to seal India a place in the elite Davis Cup World Group.
The Indian bench erupted in joy, hugging one another as Somdev fought back to beat De Voest 4-6, 6-7 (3), 7-6 (5), 6-2, 6-4 in a near five-hour marathon in the first reverse singles Sunday.
"It's a great feeling that India has entered the WOrld Group and it's special for me as I am the captain of the side," Misra said.
Somdev and Rohan Bopanna gave India a 2-0 lead, winning the two opening singles Friday.
But South Africa came back to win the doubles Saturday after Mahesh Bhupathi and Bopanna conceded the doubles rubber midway against Wesley Moodie and Jeff Coetzee. The India withdrawal gave lifeline to the hosts.
The Indian captain, however, was confident of pulling the tie in the first reverse singles itself and Somdev did not let him down.
"I knew right from the beginning that he (Somdev) could do it. Somdev is a kind of player if he finds his foothold he can comeback into the match from any point. He did a great job and we are very happy."
Somdev said the team backed him till the end and it helped him to claw his way back into the match.
"It is a wonderful feeling to see India into the World Group. I was down two sets. I kept looking at the bench. My teammates stood behind me and that gave me the confidence to fight back. It kept me going,"Somdev said.
"I was a little nervous in the third set tie-break. After winning it, I realised that it is going to be more of a physical game. I just let my legs carry me through the match."
"Rik is a great player and a great practise partner. He made life difficult for me in the first two sets," Somdev said.