Indian tennis is facing an unprecedented crisis. A 0-4 loss to a modest Sweden in Davis Cup last week has exposed deep divisions within the sport. While the All India Tennis Association ( AITA) accused that some players “refused to play for the country”, the players have responded with their own accusations against the federation.
Sumit Nagal, one of the players who was accused by the AITA of neglecting national duty, said that he was injured before the Sweden tie and did not want to hamper the team’s chances. In a statement, Nagal said, “Representing my country is a privilege and an honour I hold in the highest regard… However, after consulting my medical team it became clear that competing while carrying an injury could not only jeopardise my health but also adversely impact the team’s chances…”
Mahesh Bhupathi, one of India’s most successful doubles players, was displeased by the association’s attempt to tarnish Nagal’s reputation.
“This is classic AITA”, said Bhupathi. “Sumit Nagal had a medical issue. He did not play a tournament in China as well. And to see him being accused of not wanting to play for India is plain unfair. And this has been going on for years. Unless things change, there is only one loser and that’s Indian tennis.”
Somdev Devvarman, one of India’s best singles players ever, expressed his disappointment, explaining that playing in the Davis Cup is highly stressful for Indian players. “If you ask players from other countries, they'll tell you they all look forward to the Davis Cup. It’s the best week of the year—you spend time with teammates, play for your country, and have fun,” Devvarman said. “In India, it’s the exact opposite. The Davis Cup is the most stressful week because of all the politics. Afterward, it takes three weeks to recover from the mental strain.”
Controversy inevitably dominates the headlines ahead of every Davis Cup tie. For the past 25 years or so, the situation has remained the same, with players regularly having issues with the AITA. “Someone or the other has forever been targeted by the AITA. Be it Sania [Mirza], Mahesh, Leander [Paes], myself and now Sumit. It should be the exact opposite. The federation and the players should all be in sync for the sport to thrive, ” argued Devvarman.
Sources say Nagal was on the verge of announcing retirement from the Davis Cup after the unfortunate exchange. Fed up with the federation’s antics, he was ready to focus solely on his tour career and skip the Davis Cup. However, he changed his mind after talking with former players.
“I don't really know what is more depressing... the current state of tennis in our country or the fact that some of our 'knowledgeable experts' are willing to throw our only Top-100 singles tennis player (male or female) under the bus to deflect criticism!” said Imran Mirza, Sania’s father and coach.
From team selection to blame game, the Sweden tie has become a classic example of mismanagement. “Players ranked that low shouldn’t have been fielded. Why don’t we have a plan? The players don’t even know who will play and when?” concluded Somdev.
Mahesh was equally critical in his assessment. “If you were to take the example of the top three or four sports in the country – cricket, hockey, badminton and shooting – each of them has former players making key decisions and guiding the sport. As a result, these sports show consistent results year after year,” he said.
“The AITA needs to use Rohan Bopanna and Sania Mirza. They run successful academies with ample facilities that could be used to develop players. Devvarman is the only suitable choice to lead a high-performance program in our country.
“See what China did in 15 years with a clear vision. They have two men and five women in the top 100, and an Olympic gold medallist. If the Chinese can do it, I am sure we have more talent in India. We need to put in place a structure and resources to harness that talent.”
The AITA and Indian tennis have an opportunity coming in a month, with elections just around the corner. This is a chance to cleanse the system by appointing right people to key positions, fostering synergy between the players and the federation, and involving former players to drive positive change. The mindset has to change. Time is fast running out.
Sumit Nagal, one of the players who was accused by the AITA of neglecting national duty, said that he was injured before the Sweden tie and did not want to hamper the team’s chances. In a statement, Nagal said, “Representing my country is a privilege and an honour I hold in the highest regard… However, after consulting my medical team it became clear that competing while carrying an injury could not only jeopardise my health but also adversely impact the team’s chances…”
Mahesh Bhupathi, one of India’s most successful doubles players, was displeased by the association’s attempt to tarnish Nagal’s reputation.
“This is classic AITA”, said Bhupathi. “Sumit Nagal had a medical issue. He did not play a tournament in China as well. And to see him being accused of not wanting to play for India is plain unfair. And this has been going on for years. Unless things change, there is only one loser and that’s Indian tennis.”
Somdev Devvarman, one of India’s best singles players ever, expressed his disappointment, explaining that playing in the Davis Cup is highly stressful for Indian players. “If you ask players from other countries, they'll tell you they all look forward to the Davis Cup. It’s the best week of the year—you spend time with teammates, play for your country, and have fun,” Devvarman said. “In India, it’s the exact opposite. The Davis Cup is the most stressful week because of all the politics. Afterward, it takes three weeks to recover from the mental strain.”
Controversy inevitably dominates the headlines ahead of every Davis Cup tie. For the past 25 years or so, the situation has remained the same, with players regularly having issues with the AITA. “Someone or the other has forever been targeted by the AITA. Be it Sania [Mirza], Mahesh, Leander [Paes], myself and now Sumit. It should be the exact opposite. The federation and the players should all be in sync for the sport to thrive, ” argued Devvarman.
Sources say Nagal was on the verge of announcing retirement from the Davis Cup after the unfortunate exchange. Fed up with the federation’s antics, he was ready to focus solely on his tour career and skip the Davis Cup. However, he changed his mind after talking with former players.
“I don't really know what is more depressing... the current state of tennis in our country or the fact that some of our 'knowledgeable experts' are willing to throw our only Top-100 singles tennis player (male or female) under the bus to deflect criticism!” said Imran Mirza, Sania’s father and coach.
From team selection to blame game, the Sweden tie has become a classic example of mismanagement. “Players ranked that low shouldn’t have been fielded. Why don’t we have a plan? The players don’t even know who will play and when?” concluded Somdev.
Mahesh was equally critical in his assessment. “If you were to take the example of the top three or four sports in the country – cricket, hockey, badminton and shooting – each of them has former players making key decisions and guiding the sport. As a result, these sports show consistent results year after year,” he said.
“The AITA needs to use Rohan Bopanna and Sania Mirza. They run successful academies with ample facilities that could be used to develop players. Devvarman is the only suitable choice to lead a high-performance program in our country.
“See what China did in 15 years with a clear vision. They have two men and five women in the top 100, and an Olympic gold medallist. If the Chinese can do it, I am sure we have more talent in India. We need to put in place a structure and resources to harness that talent.”
The AITA and Indian tennis have an opportunity coming in a month, with elections just around the corner. This is a chance to cleanse the system by appointing right people to key positions, fostering synergy between the players and the federation, and involving former players to drive positive change. The mindset has to change. Time is fast running out.
You may also like
Red Alert In Haifa As Israel Braces For Hezbollah's Rocket Attack, Restrictions Issued
Centre names CJs for eight high courts, day after Supreme Court prod
Anthony Joshua next fight announced immediately after Daniel Dubois defeat
MP's Indira Sagar Power Station Records Highest Daily Indira Sagar Power Station
