Sumit Nagal demands ‘standard practice’ $50,000 to play for India

Sumit Nagal has been unable to keep up with the financial demands on the tennis tour despite being one of India's biggest profile players.

Sumit Nagal demands ‘standard practice’ $50,000 to play for India

Sumit Nagal (via X)

The All India Tennis Association (AITA) claimed on Thursday that Sumit Nagal asked for an annual fee of USD 50,000 to play in the Davis Cup for India. However, Nagal defended his position, saying it is common for athletes to be paid for their services.

Nagal recently skipped the Davis Cup match against Sweden due to a back injury, which also caused him to pull out of the US Open men’s doubles last month. India had a good chance to beat Sweden, but without a top singles player, the team lost 0-4. The team, comprising of doubles players and debutants, couldn’t win a single set in the World Group I match.

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On Tuesday (September 17), AITA expressed its disappointment, stating that top players like Nagal, Yuki Bhambri, and Sasikumar Mukund declined to represent India.

Nagal had also entered the ATP 250 Hangzhou Open but withdrew from the event, citing the same back injury. The 27-year-old is yet to clarify where he plays next.

Sumit Nagal and India’s Davis Cup devastating storyline

Indian tennis is in turmoil, with key players sidelined and growing frustration towards the All India Tennis Association (AITA). Recent losses in the Davis Cup have shown the need for a leadership change.

Sumit Nagal
Sumit Nagal (via Imago)

In the past, Davis Cup matches would generate excitement, even when Indian tennis was quiet. Memorable wins, like the 1966 victory against Brazil or the 2010 comeback against the same team, brought moments of glory. Players like the Krishnans, Amritrajs, and the Paes-Bhupathi duo created unforgettable moments.

However, the current situation is much different. India has gone from being three-time Davis Cup finalists to struggling in the lower groups. Frequent conflicts, player withdrawals, and lack of unity have led to collective disappointment. After the recent 4-0 loss to Sweden, the captain told critics to “shut up,” while the federation blamed some players. Sumit Nagal defended his absence due to injury and compensation demands.

The breakdown between players, team management, and the federation is clear. India didn’t field even a second-string team for two consecutive Davis Cup ties. Top players like Nagal, Sasikumar Mukund, and Yuki Bhambri were absent, either due to injury or choice, and the management couldn’t convince them to play. Though player disputes have happened before, it has never been this bad.