Over the last few years, Davis Cup seems to have lost a bit of sheen, with the top players consistently giving the tournament a miss, due to one reason or the other. In India, the problem seems a bit bigger. Either the top players are injured during a fixture or are just not interested in playing for the country. Now a fresh problem is troubling the Indian team. Our best singles player Sumit Nagal has refused to play in the Davis Cup Group I play-off tie in Pakistan.
The 26-year-old cited, grass courts not being his preferred surface, as the reason for opting out. But that had led to some criticism from various quarters for the talented Nagal. But in an interview with the Hindustan Times, he has defended his decision, to not play the tournament. He went on to say that the likes of Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic also skipped the Davis Cup matches multiple times in their careers.
“I think having the old Davis Cup format was much more fun for everyone,” Sumit said. “I do understand from both sides, sometimes a week can change your life on tour. Everyone has their personal preferences. Roger, Rafa, 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.”
AITA Unimpressed by Sumit Nagal
Right after Nagal had opted out of the India vs Pakistan tie, AITA Secretary General Anil Dhupar questioned the move. He told 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.”
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