The Davis Cup World Group Playoff tie between Japan and India over the weekend revealed the tennis fortunes of two nations moving in different directions.
Japan captured the tie 4-1 behind stellar play from No. 1 Kei Nishikori and No. 2 Yuichi Sugita, who won their three combined singles matches all in straight sets. The victories moved Japan back into the World Group for the first time since 1985.
With Nishikori just 21, and Sugita, the story of the weekend, having turned 23 on the tie's final day, Japan clearly has a youthful foundation to build upon for the future as it prepares to take on more powerful opponents.