*This content was translated by AI.View Original
"We will play more powerfully."
The Korean men's tennis national team, aiming for its first-ever Davis Cup Final 8 appearance, faces the variable of a 'slow court' head-on. Kwon Soon-woo (ranked 150th, Chungnam Sports Council) and Chung Hyeon (ranked 567th, Gimpo City Hall), along with their doubles pair, emphasized bold and aggressive play rather than retreating defensively.
On the 17th, the Korean national team held the official draw ceremony and press conference for the 2026 Davis Cup Qualifier Round 2 match against India at Seoul Jamsil Lotte Hotel World.
The matchup between Korea and India begins with two singles matches on the 18th at 2 p.m. at the Center Court of Seoul Olympic Park Tennis Stadium. Doubles will start at noon on the 19th, followed by up to two additional singles matches if necessary.
The first nation to secure three wins advances to the Final 8. If Korea defeats India, it will reach the world's top eight for the first time in its history, 66 years after its debut at the Davis Cup in 1960.
One of the most notable variables ahead of this matchup is the court itself.
The Olympic Park Center Court underwent extensive remodeling about 40 years after the 1988 Seoul Olympics, including replacing approximately 9,000 spectator seats. The court surface was also newly paved.
Korean players who experienced the court firsthand gave consistent evaluations: it is a 'slow court' where ball speed does not come through as well as before.
However, Korea's choice was not defensive play. Instead, the plan is to break through head-on with even bolder and more aggressive tennis.
Kwon Soon-woo, who will start the first singles match, said, "Most courts I've experienced on tour have been slow," adding, "I don't think there will be a major change in my playing style."
He then added emphatically, "Instead, we will play even more aggressively."
According to the official draw results, Kwon Soon-woo will face India's Dakshineswar Suresh (ranked 368th) in the first match on the 18th.
The importance of the opening match is significant. Coach Kwon Soon-woo emphasized that setting the tone early could influence the overall flow of the series.
Coach Jung said, "In previous matches, Chung Hyeon played first, but this time Kwon Soon-woo will take the opening singles," adding, "If we can dominate in the first singles match, it should create a positive momentum for the entire team."
Chung Hyeon, who will play the second singles match, also did not view the slow court as a particularly burdensome factor.
Chung Hyeon explained, "It is certain that the court is slow," but added, "I don't think our overall playing style will change significantly. We need to enter the match and adapt according to the situation."
Chung Hyeon's opponent is India's ace Sumit Nagal (ranked 236th).
Regarding Nagal, Chung Hyeon stated, "I know he is a player who performs very well and plays tightly," adding, "I will step onto the court with the mindset of playing hard."
In doubles as well, 'attack' was the key keyword. Korea will field the pair of Nam Ji-seong (Dangjin City Hall, doubles rank 125th) and Park Ui-sung (Daegu City Hall, doubles rank 334th) on the 19th.
Nam Ji-seong said, "We will play with a slightly slower tempo than usual but still boldly," adding, "We will maintain our strengths, such as net play, in our strategy."
Park Ui-sung also emphasized power and aggression.
He explained, "Since the court is slow, we are considering tactics for returns and serves," adding, "We aim to play more aggressively from the baseline, with strength and power."
The direction is clear for both singles and doubles: rather than waiting for opponents' mistakes due to the slow court, Korea intends to take the initiative with aggressive play.
Korea also aims to create new history on home soil.
Korea is ranked 16th in Davis Cup national rankings, while India is 19th. In their head-to-head record, Korea leads slightly with six wins and five losses, but they lost both recent matchups against India in 2014 and 2016.
This time, Korea aims for revenge on home court while also targeting its first-ever Final 8 appearance simultaneously.
"National team ace" Kwon Soon-woo said, "I've only seen what it means to reach the Finals in videos," adding, "It is a tremendous honor to compete with only eight nations from around the world under the Taegeuk mark."
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*This content was translated by AI.View Original
