In late November, information acquired out that India’s greatest males’s singles participant Sumit Nagal had knowledgeable the All India Tennis Affiliation that he would not be collaborating in February’s Davis Cup Group I play-off tie in Pakistan. He was joined by India’s subsequent greatest Sasi Mukund on this choice.
Twenty-six-year-old Nagal is presently ranked 138th within the ATP chart and reportedly pulled out of the tie because the grass courts on which the matches might be held don’t go well with his taking part in model.
The choice drew some criticism, with AITA secretary normal Anil Dhupar telling PTI:
“That is flawed. When it is a query of serving the nation why would you not do it? I’ve put the matter within the arms of the Government Committee. There is no such thing as a alternative for gamers in the event that they need to symbolize India. My idea is easy. However I’m no one to take a name. The decision must be taken by the Government Committee.”
Now, in an interview with the Hindustan Occasions, Sumit Nagal has defended his choice. The participant identified that many large names within the sport, together with Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, and Novak Djokovic, had made the selection to skip the Davis Cup a number of instances of their careers.
“I believe having the outdated Davis Cup format was way more enjoyable for everybody,” Sumit mentioned. “I do perceive from either side, generally per week can change your life on tour. Everybody has their private preferences. Roger, Rafa and Djoko and lots of many extra didn’t play Davis Cup for years and years however that doesn’t make them a foul participant or a foul particular person. I’m positive they’ve their causes as nicely.”
Sumit Nagal on collaborating within the Tennis Premier League
After a shaky couple of years, Sumit Nagal has confirmed his mettle once more in 2023. In April this yr, he received the Backyard Open that was held in Rome, changing into the primary Indian to clinch a Challenger title on European clay. He adopted this up with one other win in July, this time on the Tampere Challenger in Finland.
Regardless of the success he is had, the Indian opened up about monetary hardships in September, resulting in an outpouring of assist.
Nagal is the costliest participant within the Tennis Premier League, with the Gujarat Panthers having recruited him for 18.5 lakhs. Talking on collaborating within the occasion, he informed Hindustan Occasions,
“I’m very excited to be part of the Tennis Premier League. It’s going to be completely enjoyable and nice for Indian tennis.”
“The league is doing a very good job to assist the gamers as a lot as potential. It’s not a straightforward process to get funding for tennis in India so hats off to them and the sponsors to return out and do that,” he added.
The Tennis Premier League kicks off on December 12 and Sumit Nagal’s group might be in motion on the identical day towards the Mumbai Leon Military.
