In late November, information obtained out that India’s greatest males’s singles participant Sumit Nagal had knowledgeable the All India Tennis Affiliation that he would not be taking part in February’s Davis Cup Group I play-off tie in Pakistan. He was joined by India’s subsequent greatest Sasi Mukund on this resolution.
Twenty-six-year-old Nagal is at present ranked 138th within the ATP chart and reportedly pulled out of the tie because the grass courts on which the matches will likely be held don’t go well with his enjoying fashion.
The choice drew some criticism, with AITA secretary basic Anil Dhupar telling PTI:
“This is wrong. When it’s a question of serving the country why would you not do it? I have put the matter in the hands of the Executive Committee. There is no choice for players if they want to represent India. My theory is simple. But I am nobody to take a call. The call has to be taken by the Executive Committee.”
Now, in an interview with the Hindustan Occasions, Sumit Nagal has defended his resolution. The participant identified that many massive 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 think having the old Davis Cup format was much more fun for everyone,” Sumit stated. “I do understand from both sides, sometimes a week can change your life on tour. Everyone has their personal preferences. Roger, Rafa and Djoko and many many more didn’t play Davis Cup for years and years but that doesn’t make them a bad player or a bad person. I am sure they have their reasons as well.”
Sumit Nagal on taking part within the Tennis Premier League
After a shaky couple of years, Sumit Nagal has confirmed his mettle once more in 2023. In April this 12 months, he gained the Backyard Open that was held in Rome, turning 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 help.
Nagal is the costliest participant within the Tennis Premier League, with the Gujarat Panthers having recruited him for 18.5 lakhs. Talking on taking part within the occasion, he advised Hindustan Occasions,
“I am very excited to be a part of the Tennis Premier League. It’s going to be absolutely fun and great for Indian tennis.”
“The league is doing a good job to help the players as much as possible. It’s not an easy task to get funding for tennis in India so hats off to them and the sponsors to come out and do this,” he added.
The Tennis Premier League kicks off on December 12 and Sumit Nagal’s group will likely be in motion on the identical day towards the Mumbai Leon Military.
