From Jhajjar to Wimbledon: The rise of Sumit Nagal

Sumit Nagal, India’s top-ranked tennis player, began his journey in a direction quite different from where he stands today.

Born in Jhajjar, Haryana, Nagal’s early fascination was with cricket, not tennis.

Yet, thanks to a decision by his father, his boundless energy was channeled into a sport that would eventually make him a household name in Indian tennis.

“I always wanted to play cricket when I was a kid, but my dad wasn’t a big fan of team sports,” Nagal recalled in an exclusive interview with The Bridge.

“One of his friends suggested tennis, and before I knew it, I was on the court, spending my energy on something structured rather than random games in the neighborhood.”

At the age of seven-and-a-half, Nagal picked up a tennis racquet, and as he says, “Once I started playing tennis, I never looked back.”

'Tennis Premier League is great'

Nagal is passionate about the growth of tennis in India and advocates for greater grassroots initiatives to nurture young talent.

“We need better infrastructure and more coaches dedicated to developing players from an early age," he says.

Nagal also highlighted the role of initiatives like the Tennis Premier League (TPL) in nurturing young talent and bringing visibility to the sport in India.

"TPL is a great platform," he says.

"It introduces tennis to a broader audience and helps players gain competitive experience while showcasing their skills on a national level."

Early influences

A crucial turning point in Nagal’s journey came when he was selected to join Mahesh Bhupathi’s training academy under the Apollo Tyres Mission 2008 program.

“I met Mahesh Bhupathi at a very young age, when I was 10,” Nagal shares.

“He’s been my mentor for 17 years now and has guided me throughout my career.”

Additionally, his fitness trainer Milos Galecic has played a significant role in shaping his approach to life on and off the court.

“Milos has taught me how to see life, what to do, and what not to do. His insights have been invaluable,” he says.

Overcoming challenges 

The path to success has been anything but easy.

Injuries and setbacks are part and parcel of a professional athlete’s career, and Nagal is no exception.

He recalls moments when he was sidelined by injuries but fought his way back through the support of his team.

"Each comeback taught me more about myself and my love for the game," he says.

Financial difficulties remain a significant hurdle for Indian tennis players, and Nagal is no exception.

"Tennis is an expensive sport," he shares.

"From coaching to travel, the costs are immense, and it's a challenge to find consistent sponsors."

Nagal emphasizes the need for a more structured financial support to help budding players.

“There were a lot of good days and bad days,” he reflects.

“But I always gave my best and sought opportunities to compete at the highest level.”

These struggles only strengthened his resolve to excel in a sport where India’s presence has traditionally been limited.

One of the early highlights of his career was winning the Wimbledon boys' doubles title in 2015 alongside Vietnamese partner Lý Hoàng Nam.

“That was probably the first time I got a little bit of attention and began understanding the level of tennis I needed to play,” he says.

“Watching men’s matches at Wimbledon that week motivated me and pushed me harder to reach where I am now.”

Representing India on the global stage

Despite the pressures of rising stardom, Nagal’s focus has always been on putting Indian tennis on the global map.

“I’ve always said I want to do my best to change perspectives about Indian tennis,” he explains.

In 2020, Nagal became the first Indian since 2013 to win a singles match in the main draw of a Grand Slam.

His performance at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021 further cemented his legacy as he became the first Indian in 25 years to reach the second round of an Olympics singles event.

“It gave me an energy boost to try to bring India’s name into tennis,” he says with pride.

Looking ahead

Nagal is focused on achieving new milestones in his career.

"I’m working on refining my game, both technically and mentally," he shares. 

Nagal is well aware of the responsibility that he shoulders and realises that his performances on the court matters not just to himself but also to the youngsters watching back home.

And when asked to relay words of encouragement, he lets fly a power message, akin to his fierce forehand .

“Dream big and work hard. Challenges will come, but they’re only stepping stones to something greater. Believe in yourself and stay consistent.”