How an Indian tennis prodigy rose from a training academy to the world top 100
In short: From a local sports club in Haryana to facing Roger Federer on the world stage, Sumit Nagal’s ascent has been anything but linear. His journey involves international relocations, disciplinary controversies, and a historic climb through the global rankings that has revitalized Indian tennis.
Sumit Nagal’s path to professional tennis began at age eight in Haryana, India. His talent was recognized at age ten when he joined Mahesh Bhupathi’s Apollo Tyres Mission 2008 programme, a stint that saw him based in Bengaluru between 2008 and 2010. Seeking further development, he moved to Toronto to train under Coach Bobby Mahal until 2014, demonstrating an early commitment to the international circuit.
Nagal’s junior career was marked by significant milestones, including winning the 2015 Wimbledon boys' doubles title alongside Vietnam's Lý Hoàng Nam. As he transitioned to the professional circuit, his progress was punctuated by both brilliance and friction. In 2017, he faced disciplinary scrutiny when he was dropped from India's Davis Cup squad following allegations of missing training sessions and bringing an unauthorized guest to camp—allegations Nagal denied.
His breakthrough on the ATP circuit arrived in stages. After a period of struggle in 2018, the 2019 US Open provided a landmark moment as he made his Grand Slam main draw debut, facing Roger Federer. He followed this with a historic victory at the 2020 US Open, becoming the first Indian since 2013 to win a singles match in a Grand Slam main draw. By February 2024, Nagal achieved a career milestone by breaking into the world top 100, eventually reaching a career-high ranking of No. 68 in July 2024.
Despite facing setbacks, including hip surgery in late 2021 and fluctuations in form, Nagal has remained a cornerstone of Indian tennis. His ability to secure titles on European clay and navigate the pressures of the Masters 1000 circuit marks him as a significant figure in the sport's recent history.
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