Sumit Nagal has made the cut for the men’s singles event of the Tokyo Olympics. The All India Tennis Association wasted no time in paring country’s top ranked singles player with Rohan Bopanna for the doubles. Divij Sharan’s entry was withdrawn
Nagal made the cut as the 144th ranked men’s singles player following the large-scale withdrawals. He was ranked 144 on June 14, when ATP rankings were to be considered for direct entries but consistent withdrawals helped him.
“I knew it (cut-off) was gonna drop. Things are different this year, compared to any other Olympics. Nonetheless, I feel very happy. I am getting a chance to represent the country. I can’t complain much about it,” New Indian Express has quoted Nagal as saying.
The 23-year-old Nagal will enter the Olympics with some disappointing results this season as he has suffered seven first round defeat on the Circuit, including at the Australian Open.
In six Challenger events, he made the quarterfinals only thrice.
His best performance has been making the quarterfinals of the ATP 250 event in Buenos Aires in March. His ranking has dropped to 154 after beginning the year at 137.
“To be honest, I have been struggling with a few things, I am not going to name it. Getting into Olympics will hopefully change things in my career. It’s going to be amazing experience. I will give my 100 per cent on the court.”
Nagal did not share what was bothering him whether it was injury or some other health issue and also did not speak why he pulled out of Wimbledon.
“I am sorry I am not gonna talk much about it, it’s in the past.”
