Sumit Nagal credits Virat Kohli for weathering financial storms after historic victory
Indian tennis witnessed a momentous occasion yesterday as Sumit Nagal etched his name in history books by defeating Alexander Bublik, the 31st seed, in the first round of the 2024 Australian Open. This remarkable feat marks the first time an Indian player has overcome a seeded opponent at the Grand Slam since Ramesh Krishnan’s triumph in 1989, shattering a 35-year-old drought.
Nagal, currently ranked 139th in the world, entered the match as the underdog against the experienced Bublik. However, the 26-year-old Indian displayed unwavering determination and tactical brilliance throughout the three-set encounter. He absorbed Bublik’s powerful serves and aggressive baseline play, patiently waiting for his opportunities to strike. His precise groundstrokes and deft drop shots kept Bublik off balance, forcing the Kazakh player into uncharacteristic errors.
Nagal’s victory has resonated deeply within the Indian tennis community. It serves as a testament to his talent, perseverance, and the belief he has in his abilities. It also rekindles hope for a brighter future for Indian tennis, especially considering the dearth of Grand Slam success in recent years.
Nagal’s historic win has not only broken a long-standing record but has also propelled him into the limelight. Irrespective of the fact whether Nagal advances further in the tournament, his performance at the Australian Open has already etched a significant chapter in Indian tennis history. He inspired a generation of young players and ignited a renewed passion for the sport in the country. His journey serves as a powerful reminder that with dedication, hard work, and unwavering belief, even seemingly insurmountable challenges can be overcome.
“If I didn’t have Virat Kohli supporting me…”
In the wake of his groundbreaking victory, Sumit Nagal expressed his heartfelt gratitude to Indian cricket legend Virat Kohli. Since 2017, Kohli’s foundation has served as a stalwart of support for Nagal, providing crucial backing during challenging times. Speaking with humility, Nagal acknowledged that he faced performance slumps and financial difficulties over the past two years, but Kohli’s unwavering support proved instrumental in keeping him afloat.
“Virat Kohli’s foundation has been supporting me since 2017. I haven’t been performing well for the last two years and was facing a financial crisis. If I didn’t have Virat Kohli supporting me, I don’t know what I would have done,” Nagal said while speaking to Bombay Times.
Nagal’s candour didn’t end there. He took the opportunity to shed light on the precarious financial realities faced by many athletes in India, despite receiving support. He revealed a stark incident from 2019, when even with existing aid, his wallet held a mere six dollars, painting a vivid picture of the struggles he endured. This personal anecdote served as a powerful plea for increased athlete funding in India, emphasizing his belief that robust financial backing is crucial for the nation’s sporting landscape to truly flourish.
“Back in 2019, when I was flying from Canada to Germany after a tournament, I had six dollars in my wallet; Just six dollars after the help that I had been getting, so imagine what a mess I must have been before. But I survived, and things are getting better. If people fund athletes, it will only help the sport flourish in the country. I am fortunate to get that support from Virat,” said Nagal.
