"The Republic of Korea is not weak!" Ace Kwon Soon-woo sealed it... Korean tennis makes history with first-ever Davis Cup "Finals 8" qualification

*This content was translated by AI.

Korean tennis has written a new chapter in history. For the first time since its debut at the Davis Cup in 1960, it will step onto the world's top eight stage after 66 years.

The Korean men's national tennis team, led by head coach Jeong Jong-sam, defeated India with a match score of 3-1 on the 19th at the Center Court of Seoul Olympic Park Tennis Stadium in the second round of the 2026 Davis Cup Qualifiers, securing qualification for the Finals 8 for the first time in history.

The stage where the world's top eight teams gather is Bologna, Italy.

The player who put the final touch on this historic victory was Kwon Soon-woo (Chungnam Sports Council, world ranking No. 157), the ace of Korean tennis.

On this day, in the third singles match, Kwon Soon-woo decisively defeated India's Sumit Nagal (No. 247) with a score of 2-0 (6-1, 6-2).

Before the match, South Korea was leading the match score 2-1. Had Kwon Soon-woo lost, the score would have been tied 2-2, and the outcome could have been decided in the final match.

However, Kwon Soon-woo did not allow that to happen.

The match ended faster than expected. The duration was only 68 minutes.

Kwon Soon-woo had also come from behind the previous day, losing the first set against Daxine and Suree (No. 367) before securing a comeback victory. Despite playing on court for two consecutive days, he continued his upward momentum even against India's ace Nagal.

The start was intense. Although Kwon Soon-woo lost the first game, he went on to win six games in a row, taking the first set 6-1 in an instant.

In the second set, the flow did not change significantly.

Nagal attempted a counterattack, but Kwon Soon-woo never relinquished control of the match. With powerful backhands, he pushed his opponent back and ultimately won the second set 6-2, confirming Korea's historic qualification for the world top eight.

After the match, Kwon Soon-woo first expressed his gratitude to the fans.

He said, "I am grateful to the fans who came here yesterday and today to cheer for us," adding, "It feels good to have produced a good result."

The victory was also significant for Kwon Soon-woo personally. With this win, he extended his Davis Cup winning streak to five consecutive matches.

However, Kwon Soon-woo was not satisfied with his current achievements. He stated, "I don't think my prime has come yet," revealing his determination to grow further.

After confirming Korea's historic qualification for the world top eight, he also showed strong confidence.

Kwon Soon-woo said, "South Korea has reached the quarterfinals," and added, "In the quarterfinals, South Korea might be seen as the weakest team."

Nevertheless, he firmly promised, "The Republic of Korea is not weak. We will prove it with results."

This marks the first time in Korean history that the country has qualified for the Davis Cup Finals 8. While there have been appearances on the current Finals stage (formerly known as the World Group main draw), those were during the 16th-team format era. This is the first time South Korea has reached the men's world top eight in its Davis Cup participation history.

The road to Bologna was by no means easy.

Last September, South Korea defeated Kazakhstan, held together by Alexander Bublik, in the World Group I round.

Then, in the first round of the Qualifiers held this February, they beat the South American powerhouse Argentina 3-2 to secure qualification for the second round.

And now, having overcome India as well, they have finally completed a new chapter in history by reaching the world top eight.

The Davis Cup Finals 8 will be held from November 24 to 27 in Bologna, Italy. Eight countries from around the world will compete for the championship in a tournament format.

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*This content was translated by AI.