India's top singles players Sumit Nagal, Sasikumar Mukund refuse to travel to Pakistan for Davis Cup tie

Rohan Bopanna retired from Davis Cup earlier this year.

Sumit Nagal and Sasikumar Mukund, India’s highest-ranked singles players have decided to opt out of the World Group 1 Playoff fixture to be hosted by Pakistan. While it is understood that Nagal, ranked 141 in the ATP rankings has stated the reason for his refusal is the grass courts on which the encounter is to be held. The right-handed feels that the surface is not his strength and has conveyed his stance to the All India Tennis Association.

As per the report in PTI, AITA is unhappy with his decision as it puts India’s chances in jeopardy. To add to the worries, Sasikumar Mukund, the second-highest-ranked Indian has also refused to travel citing personal reasons. The administrators expressed their displeasure over the decision of the players.

India would want to put their best team on the court to face Pakistan as they already have been deprived of the services of Rohan Bopanna who got a winning farewell in the 4-1 triumph over Morocco in the World Group II tie played earlier in September this year. It was Rohan Bopanna’s 50th Davis Cup match and the current world no.3 was at his dominating best alongside Yuki Bhambri to close the doubles match 6-2, 6-1.

It was Sumit Nagal who was the star of the fixture as he won both his singles fixtures with similar scorelines 6-3, 6-3 to ensure India qualified for the next stage. It also marked the debut of Digvijay Pratap Singh who started his Davis Cup career with a fighting win over Morocco’s Walid Ahouda. The win would be a confidence booster for the youngster who will lead the team to Pakistan along with Ramkumar Ramanathan in singles.

India have a 8-0 winning streak over Pakistan in the Davis Cup. But the arch-rivals will be no pushovers when they face India in February 2024. They have experienced folks like Aisam-ul-Haq Qureshi and Aqeel Khan in their ranks and are coming off a win over Indonesia in their World Group II tie.

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