India’s top-ranked singles player, Sumit Nagal, has withdrawn from the upcoming Davis Cup tie against Sweden due to a back injury. The announcement, made by the All India Tennis Association (AITA), comes as a significant blow to India’s hopes in the crucial indoor hard-court contest scheduled to take place in Stockholm on September 14-15.
Nagal, who recently competed at the US Open, struggled with his form, losing in the first round of the singles competition to Tallon Griekspoor. His injury, sustained during the Grand Slam event, also forced him to pull out of the doubles draw in New York, further indicating the severity of his condition.
In a statement posted on social media, Nagal expressed his disappointment at missing out on the chance to represent India in the Davis Cup but acknowledged that his health had to take precedence. “I was really looking forward to representing [India] in the upcoming Davis Cup tie against Sweden,” Nagal wrote. “However, after consulting with my medical team, I have to listen to my body and prioritize my recovery to avoid worsening the injury.”
The AITA acted swiftly to fill the gap left by Nagal’s absence, bringing in 15-year-old tennis prodigy Manas Dhamne as his replacement. The decision, according to the AITA statement, was made after a thorough assessment of player performances by the Chairman of the Selection Committee, Nandan Bal, along with Captain Rohit Rajpal and Coach Ashutosh Singh.
Manas Dhamne, who has been training at the prestigious Piatti Centre in Italy, is a rising star in Indian tennis. Last year, he reached a career-best junior ranking of 43 and has since transitioned to competing regularly on the men’s circuit. His inclusion in the Davis Cup squad shows the confidence the selection committee has in his potential to perform on the international stage.
“Manas has shown tremendous promise over the past year, and we believe he has the ability to rise to the occasion,” the AITA statement noted. “His inclusion is not just a reflection of his current form but also an investment in the future of Indian tennis.”
Dhamne’s selection marks a significant milestone in his young career, offering him an invaluable opportunity to gain experience and exposure at the highest level of team tennis. Competing against seasoned international players in the Davis Cup will be a challenge, but it also represents a platform for Dhamne to showcase his talent on a global stage.
The upcoming Davis Cup tie against Sweden is critical for India as the team looks to make a mark in the international tennis arena. The indoor hard-court surface in Stockholm will pose a unique challenge for the Indian team, which has traditionally excelled on slower surfaces. Without Nagal, who has been India’s top singles performer, out of the lineup, the team will need to regroup and rely on both experienced players and new talent like Dhamne to put up a strong fight.
Sweden, with a rich history in Davis Cup competitions, will undoubtedly be a formidable opponent, and India’s task has become even more daunting with the absence of their star player. The Indian contingent will now have to adjust their strategy, potentially leaning on their doubles pairings and hoping that the young guns like Dhamne can rise to the occasion.
