In the fading evening light of Bengaluru on Wednesday, Sumit Nagal unleashed a powerful crosscourt backhand that left his Indian teammate Dhakshineswar Suresh scrambling. The shot, delivered with precision and pace during a training session, forced an error and prompted a subtle but telling celebration from Nagal—a clenched fist and a quiet "yes." This moment captured the rising intensity of India's top-ranked tennis player as he prepares for a crucial Davis Cup encounter.
Building Momentum Ahead of Davis Cup Clash
This marked Nagal's second practice session since arriving in Bengaluru on Monday night, with non-playing captain Rohit Rajpal observing closely. As dusk settled, the 28-year-old noticeably elevated his game, a reassuring development ahead of India's Davis Cup Qualifiers Round 1 tie against the Netherlands, which begins on Saturday. The session transitioned from light warm-ups to competitive match simulations, showcasing Nagal's gradual return to peak form.
Recovery from Injury and Training Regimen
Ranked 281 on the ATP Tour, Nagal had suffered a hip strain at the ATP Challenger 75 event in Nonthaburi, Thailand, last month. However, after two weeks of dedicated rehabilitation, he appears to be regaining his fitness and rhythm. The session began with a light warm-up alongside Suresh and team physios, including Yash Pandey, lasting over 20 minutes before moving to the center court.
Initially, Nagal maintained relatively stationary groundstrokes but demonstrated excellent volleys, serves, and movement drills. Over nearly an hour and a half, he progressively pushed himself in match-like situations, with his groundstrokes evolving into crisp winners as the session advanced. This structured approach highlights his careful comeback from injury.
Dutch Opposition and Scouting Efforts
Adding an international dimension to the practice, Netherlands' Jesper de Jong, world No. 88, watched from the stands. De Jong is set to lead the visiting team in the absence of higher-ranked players Tallon Griekspoor (29) and Botic van de Zandschulp (67). Reflecting on the session, De Jong noted, "I've known Sumit for a long time. We're good friends and have practised together before." Regarding Suresh, ranked 465, he added, "I don't know much about the other player, apart from the fact that he plays college tennis in the US. We've watched some additional footage as well."
Career Context and Team Dynamics
Nagal, who achieved a career-high singles ranking of 68 in July 2024, brings valuable experience to the Indian squad. His partnership with Suresh, though in a training context, underscores the team's collaborative spirit as they gear up for the Davis Cup. The presence of both teammates and opponents like De Jong creates a competitive yet familiar atmosphere, potentially benefiting India's preparation.
As the Davis Cup tie approaches, Nagal's performance in these sessions signals a positive trajectory. His ability to raise intensity and deliver quality shots, despite recent injury concerns, bodes well for India's chances against the Netherlands. Fans and analysts will be watching closely to see if this training form translates into match-day success on Saturday.
