In late November, information received out that India’s finest 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 finest 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 shall be held don’t swimsuit his taking part in fashion.

The choice drew some criticism, with AITA secretary normal Anil Dhupar telling PTI:

“That is unsuitable. When it is a query of serving the nation why would you not do it? I’ve put the matter within the palms of the Govt Committee. There isn’t any selection for gamers in the event that they wish to symbolize India. My concept is straightforward. However I’m no one to take a name. The decision must be taken by the Govt Committee.”

Now, in an interview with the Hindustan Occasions, Sumit Nagal has defended his resolution. The participant identified that many huge 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 previous Davis Cup format was rather more enjoyable for everybody,” Sumit mentioned. “I do perceive from either side, typically every week can change your life on tour. Everybody has their private preferences. Roger, Rafa and Djoko and plenty of many extra didn’t play Davis Cup for years and years however that doesn’t make them a foul participant or a foul individual. I’m certain 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 12 months, he gained 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 instructed 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 superb job to assist the gamers as a lot as potential. It’s not a straightforward activity 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 crew shall be in motion on the identical day in opposition to the Mumbai Leon Military.