Did Sumit Nagal Really Demand $50,000 to Represent India? His Shocking Response Will Leave You Speechless

The All India Tennis Association (AITA) on Thursday alleged that Sumit Nagal, India’s top singles tennis player, demanded an annual payment of $50,000 to participate in Davis Cup matches for the country. Nagal defended his stance, explaining that it is “standard practice” for athletes to be compensated for their services.

Nagal had recently withdrawn from India’s Davis Cup tie against Sweden, citing a back injury that also forced him to pull out of the US Open men’s doubles event. India, missing a top singles player, lost 0-4 to Sweden, failing to win even a set in the World Group I tie.

AITA expressed its disappointment with several top Indian players, including Nagal, Yuki Bhambri, and Sasikumar Mukund, for skipping national duties. While Nagal was scheduled to compete in the ATP 250 Hangzhou Open on Thursday, he later withdrew, again citing his back injury.

AITA secretary general Anil Dhupar questioned the request for payment. “Why should a player ask for money to represent the country? He demanded an annual fee of $50,000, stating he wouldn’t play if unpaid,” said Dhupar.

India typically plays two Davis Cup ties a year, in February and September. Players receive compensation from the prize money provided by the International Tennis Federation (ITF), with AITA distributing 70% of the funds to the team and retaining 30% for administrative purposes.

Nagal responded on social media, clarifying his position on compensation. “It is standard in professional sports for athletes to be paid for participating, even when representing their country. This is not for personal profit,” he wrote, adding that his discussions with AITA and the Davis Cup Captain were private.

AITA was particularly critical of Nagal for citing injury as his reason for skipping the Davis Cup but then seemingly recovering in time for the Hangzhou Open, from which he withdrew two days after AITA’s public statement. During the Davis Cup tie, Nagal had also taken to social media to criticize AITA, accusing some members of being there only for the perks.