Sumit Nagal in action during the US Open Tennis Championships in New York. | Photo credit: AP
India’s top singles player Sumit Nagal on Monday (September 2, 2024) withdrew from the upcoming Davis Cup tie against Sweden due to a back injury.
Nagal recently lost his first-round singles match at the US Open to Tallon Greerspoor.
The indoor hard-court competition will be played on September 14-15 in Stockholm. Following Nagal’s withdrawal, reserve player Aryan Shah has been included in the main squad while Manas Dhamane has been kept on standby.
“I was really looking forward to representing India in the upcoming Davis Cup tie against Sweden,” Nagal wrote on social media.
“However, due to the back problem that has been bothering me for the last few weeks, the doctors have advised me to rest for the next two weeks, which has left me with insufficient time to prepare and compete in Sweden. The same problem also forced me to withdraw from the US Open doubles. “I am very disappointed to not be able to play in this tie, but I have to listen to my body to avoid further aggravating my back so that I can finish the season strong and healthy. Best of luck to the Indian team – I will be cheering you all on from home!” he added.
Nagal had reached his career-high ranking of 68 in July but has slipped to 82 in the latest rankings. India’s highest-ranked singles player not playing in the Davis Cup tie is a big blow to the team.
Former national champion Ashutosh Singh has been appointed the new coach of the national team.