Mumbai: The All India Tennis Association (AITA) has raised concerns over India’s top singles player, Sumit Nagal, and two other athletes refusing to play in India’s Davis Cup tie against Sweden. The controversy deepened on Thursday when Nagal withdrew from the ATP Hangzhou Open due to a persistent back issue—the same reason he cited for missing the Sweden match.

Ranked 82nd globally, Nagal was slated to compete in the ATP 250 event in Hangzhou, China. He was scheduled to face Japan’s Yasutaka Uchiyama in the first round but pulled out just hours before the match. Nagal confirmed to Hindustan Times that his withdrawal was due to a back problem that has troubled him for weeks.

In a detailed social media post on Thursday, Nagal explained that he had “informed AITA well in advance about my inability to participate” against Sweden. Despite his absence, Sweden defeated India 4-0.

Earlier on September 2, AITA issued a press release acknowledging Nagal’s withdrawal due to his back injury. Following India’s poor performance against Sweden in Stockholm, AITA defended its stance and criticized some players.

“Players like Sumit Nagal, Yuki Bhambri, and Mukund Sasikumar refused to play for the country even though they were participating in other tournaments elsewhere,” AITA said in a social media statement on Tuesday. AITA secretary general Anil Dhupar also questioned the legitimacy of Nagal’s injury. “Sumit Nagal said he had some back problem, but is that problem okay now? He is playing a tournament in China,” Dhupar was quoted by PTI.

AITA also alleged that Nagal had previously demanded a compensation fee for playing in the Davis Cup, above the standard payments players receive from the ITF through the national association. Nagal defended this practice as “standard” in professional sports, noting that other top Indian players have similarly sought and received additional compensation in the past.

On Thursday, Nagal clarified that after consulting his medical team, it was clear “that competing while carrying an injury could not only jeopardize my health but also adversely impact the team’s chances” in the Davis Cup tie.

“I believe it is better for the team and country to have someone at 100% rather than risking further injury and potentially disrupting the match. I had informed AITA well in advance about my inability to participate,” Nagal stated.

Nagal, who has had a successful season and is the only Indian in the singles top 100, last competed in the singles first round of the US Open last month before withdrawing from his doubles opener in New York.

“Sometimes, just a few days of rest and targeted rehabilitation can make the difference between aggravating an injury and being fit to play again. I have been working diligently with my tennis and medical team to ensure I am in the best possible condition to return to the court whenever that would be,” Nagal added.

This ongoing situation highlights the complexities athletes face balancing national representation with personal health and professional commitments.