SYDENEY, Australia: The unfancied Indian team pulled off ‘one of the major upsets in Davis Cup history, defeating champions Australia 3-2 in a nerve wracking semifinal at White City Stadium.
Ironically, it was Ramesh Krishnan, who was coached by the late Australia Davis Cup Captain Harry Hopman in Forida, who hammered the nail into the Australian coffin when he out their final against South Africa in 1974 in protest against the apartheid policy of the country.
The Indians stunned the defending champions on Friday when they raced to a 2-0 lead when Krishnan completely outplayed John Fitzgerald in the opening singles. classed Wally Masur 8-6,6-4,6-4,ina 125 minute thriller as the Aussies fought desperately to turn back the ‘majestic Indian challenge and hang onto the silver bowl.
The capacity crowd of 6,500 gave Krishnan a standing ovation when Masur pushed a forehand into the net to give India the right to challenge ‘Sweden or Spain in the 1987 Davis ‘Cup final. Overnight the Swedes held a 2 lead.
It was only the ninth time in 79 years that Australia have been beaten in any Davis Cup tie in Australia.
India on Sunday became only the third nation to defeat the Australians at home, Great Britain beat them in 1912, and the United States has beaten Australia seven times.
It is only the third time in Davis Cup history that India has made the finals.
They lost 14 to Australia in Met bourne in 1966 and withdrew from the Australian coffin when he out- their final against South Africa in 1974 in protest against the apartheid policy of the country.
The Indians stunned the defending champions on Friday when they raced to a 2-0 lead when Krishnan completely outplayed John Fitzgerald in the opening signals.
Article extracted from this publication >> October 23, 1987
