Sumit Nagal has offered a clarification following the All India Tennis Association (AITA) slammed him for not playing in the Davis Cup for India. The AITA had expressed concerns over Nagal, India’s top-ranked player, possibly opting to skip last week’s Davis Cup tie against Sweden. Although Nagal attributed his absence to an injury, he is now preparing to compete in an ATP tournament in China.
India endured a 0-4 defeat to Sweden in the World Group I match held in Stockholm. AITA Secretary Anil Dhupar emphasised that the absence of key players such as Nagal and Yuki Bhambri played a significant role in the team’s disappointing performance.
Nagal has now offered clarification on the matter with a lengthy post on Instagram. The Indian star said that it was a difficult call for him to withdraw from the Davis Cup, but it was made after consulting with his medical team.
The Indian star said he didn’t want to jeopardise his health and affect the team’s chances by participating with an injury. Nagal said he had informed the AITA well in advance about his decision. The Indian star said that this was not about any monetary gain.
Nagal ended his statement by reiterating his commitment to playing for India.
Sumit Nagal Full statement:
“Representing my country is always a privilege and an honor that I hold in the highest regard. One of the highlights of my career was being able to represent India at the Olympics. It was a difficult decision to withdraw from the Davis Cup, as playing for the national team is a moment I cherish deeply.”
“However, after consulting with my medical team, it became clear that competing while carrying an injury could not only jeopardise my health but also adversely impact the team’s chances. I believe it is better for the team and for the country to have someone at 100% rather than risking further injury and potentially disrupting the match. I had informed AITA well in advance about my inability to participate.”
“In professional sports, injury management is a complex science. Sometimes, just a few days of rest and targeted rehabilitation can make the difference between aggravating an injury and being fit to play again. I have been working diligently with my tennis and medical team to ensure I am in the best possible condition to return to the court whenever that would be.”
“Regarding compensation, I want to clarify that it is standard practice in professional sports for athletes to be compensated for their participation in events, even when representing their country. This is not about personal gain. My discussions with AITA and the Davis Cup Captain are confidential and I would not like to indulge in any speculation about this.”
“I am deeply committed to my country and will always give my best whenever I represent it. I look forward to future opportunities to wear the national colors and make my country proud, both on and off the court. Thank you for your understanding and support.”
Nagal is now scheduled to compete in the ATP250 event in Hangzhou, where he will face a qualifier in his first round.