"Change the tennis system in India", Sumit Nagal after historic win over Alexander Bublik at Australian Open 2024

By Ajay Gandhar

Ajay Gandhar has been part of Khel Now since 2023 and has covered almost every Olympic sport, but Badminton, Tennis, Football, and Track and Field have his heart.

Published at :January 16, 2024 at 9:12 PM

Modified at :January 17, 2024 at 4:27 PM

(Courtesy : Wikipedia)

Nagal reached Grand Slam second round for second time in his career.

Sumit Nagal, India’s top-ranked men’s singles tennis player, achieved a remarkable feat by defeating the 31st seed Alexander Bublik in straight sets, 6-4, 6-2, 7-6 (5), in the first round of the Australian Open 2024 on Tuesday.

Nagal’s win over Bublik was not only the biggest win of his career, but also a historic moment for Indian tennis. He became the first Indian male player in 35 years to beat a seeded player at a Grand Slam singles draw, matching Ramesh Krishnan’s feat in ousting defending champion Mats Wilander at Melbourne Park in 1989. But Nagal has not had an easy time, Nagal has faced several difficulties, from System to lack of Funding.

He expressed his desire to transform the tennis system in the country. When asked to explain, Sumit said, “There was a time when we had many singles players competing in the slams.

“I think we have lost a lot in the last few years, and I aim to change that in the next years when I retire from tennis, whenever that is, I hope I can make a difference in the country where we can change the system and have more people playing in the singles draw.”

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Sumit said that it is not very difficult to develop the sport in the country, which has seen the rise of other sports like badminton, wrestling and shooting in the recent years. He said, “First we need to have more tournaments in the country, bring in coaches, improve facilities. Just a better system, that’s what I mean.

“Why are all the tennis players – I’m talking about singles – going abroad and living abroad to get a chance? We should ask why. Like I said, we can sit here and talk about it all day. But in one word I will just say it’s change the system. That’s it.”

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Ajay Gandhar

Ajay Gandhar has been part of Khel Now since 2023 and has expertise across a wide range of Olympic sports. While his coverage spans the Olympic spectrum, he is passionate about Badminton, Tennis, Football, and Track and Field. Beyond his primary focus areas, Ajay is also an avid kabaddi enthusiast and closely follows the sport.