India’s number one tennis player, Sumit Nagal, is facing significant financial struggles despite his achievements in the ATP Tour. With just 900 Euros (approximately Rs 80,000) in his bank account, Nagal is finding it challenging to sustain himself and his tennis career.
A Costly Pursuit
Participating in the extravagant ATP Tour has compelled Nagal to invest all his prize money, his salary from IOCL, and the support he receives from the Maha Tennis Foundation. His expenses primarily go towards his stay at the training center in Peine and traveling for tournaments, which often involves taking along either a coach or a physio.
While Nagal’s racquet, shoes, and apparel needs are sponsored by Yonex and ASICS, respectively, he lacks a significant sponsor to cover his overall expenses. Despite earning approximately 65 lakh from 24 tournaments this year, he’s unable to save much due to his high expenditure.
Despite being India’s number one singles player for several years and achieving milestones like qualifying for Grand Slams and winning a match at the Olympics in Tokyo, Nagal feels unsupported. He expresses disappointment in the lack of recognition and support from the government, particularly through the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS).
Overcoming Adversities
Nagal’s journey has been marked by adversity, including a hip surgery and multiple bouts of COVID-19 last year. The recovery process took a toll on him, both physically and financially. However, he persevered through rehabilitation and setbacks to continue pursuing his tennis career.
Nagal emphasizes that Indian singles players not only face financial challenges but also lack proper guidance and a structured system to nurture their talent. He points to countries like China, which have both the resources and systems in place to develop their athletes effectively.
Despite these financial hardships, Nagal remains committed to his tennis career, aiming for a breakthrough on the international stage if he can secure the necessary support and funding.
