Indian tennis star Sumit Nagal has withdrawn from the upcoming Davis Cup tie against Sweden, citing a lingering back issue that has been bothering him for the past few weeks. Nagal, who was set to be India’s best hope in the tie, announced his decision, expressing deep disappointment over missing the event.
“I was really looking forward to representing India in the upcoming Davis Cup tie against Sweden. However, due to a back issue that’s been bothering me for the past few weeks, doctors have advised me to rest for the next two weeks, leaving me without enough time to prepare and compete in Sweden. This same issue also led to my withdrawal from the US Open doubles,” Nagal said.
Nagal also shared his regret, adding, “I’m deeply disappointed to be missing this tie, but I have to listen to my body to prevent the back from worsening, so I can finish the season strong and healthy. Good luck to the Indian team – I’ll be cheering for you all from home!”
His withdrawal leaves India without their top-ranked player as the team prepares for the crucial World Group I tie in Stockholm, scheduled for September 14-15, 2024. India’s Davis Cup squad, originally featuring Nagal alongside Ramkumar Ramanathan, Sriram Balaji, Niki Poonacha, and Siddharth Vishwakarma, will now need to adjust their lineup with reserve player Aryan Shah likely to be called upon. There have also been calls by many, including legend Mahesh Bhupathi, to include Dhakshineswar Suresh and Manas Dhamne in the squad. However, it remains to be seen who the AITA selection committee chooses as the replacement for Nagal.
India will now look to the leadership of captain Rohit Rajpal and the experience of their remaining players to take on Sweden, whose squad is led by Elias Ymer and includes young talents like Leo Borg and seasoned doubles player André Göransson. It will be a tall task for the Indian team without Nagal, but you never know in Davis Cup!
Photo – Pete Staples/USTA