Interview with Sumit Nagal: "Nothing can beat the feeling of winning Wimbledon"
It has been an emotional rollercoaster for 17-year-old Sumit Nagal the last few days. One week back, the Jhajjar-born boy etched his name on the prestigious Honour Roll at Wimbledon after clinching the boys’ doubles title with Nam Hoang Ly of Vietnam. And not only that, he even got to meet the Wimbledon men’s singles and ladies’ singles winners – Novak Djokovic and Serena Williams at the Champions’ Ball.
The fledgling tennis talent, who was spotted and then mentored by the legendary Mahesh Bhupathi, is currently honing his skills at the renowned Schüttler Waske Tennis-University in Offenbach, Germany. In an exclusive interview, Nagal took some time out from his busy schedule to talk about his momentous achievement, his training, Bhupathi’s unflinching support for his career, his tennis idols, his goals and much more.
Here are the excerpts:
Q. How does it feel to be a Wimbledon champion?
Obviously, I am super happy that we won the title. Coming from such a big continent, and seeing such a low number of people doing well out of billions, it just feels great. And to be honest, I feel even more happy because Nam Hoang Ly (his doubles partner) is the first Vietnamese ever to win such a big title. In that sense, we made history and my name will always be there, so nothing can beat that feeling.
Q. How was the experience of meeting Novak Djokovic and Serena Williams at the Champions' Ball? Did you get any advice from the two World No. 1s?
It was a great feeling. I mean you don’t get opportunities much like these where you get to sit with all the winners and important people. It’s just unforgettable. No, actually did not get any advice, we all were in a rush and it was pretty late.
Q. Having played just a handful of doubles events this year, this triumph must be very special for you?
This win means a lot to me. It showed me that I can win doubles as well even though I barely play. Showed if you put your work and focus, then a lot of things are possible.
Q. How long have you been training abroad? Can you tell us a bit about your training at the Schüttler Waske Tennis-University?
I have been training abroad about 7 years now. The Schüttler Waske Tennis-University is good and I like it. It helped a lot in the past few months.
It’s an academy based in Offenbach, Germany. Came here about 16 months ago, was struggling with tennis a lot last year because of my (low) confidence and injuries. But these guys found a way to do it and now we are happy the way we are going and will keep going. Mariano Delfino and Bastian Suwanprateep have been coaching me from past 16 months now.
Q. How crucial has Mahesh Bhupathi’s support been to your career?
Mahesh’s role has played a lot in my life, either it’s on or off court. He has helped in every way. If it was not for him, then I don’t think my dad could have been able to afford tennis.
Q. The last few weeks have been highly productive for you – a Grade I title in Germany, a Futures title in Hyderabad and the Wimbledon junior doubles title. You must be pretty confident about where your game is heading right now?
Yes, pretty confident about my game and looking forward to go like this but don't forget things can change so fast in tennis in just a week.
Q. Which are the senior events you are hoping to play this year as you prepare yourself to take the plunge into pro tennis?
I am looking forward to play more on the men’s tour this year, more Futures and Challengers.
Q. Who are your tennis idols and what is your favourite surface?
I like Rafael Nadal more. I like his hunger, attitude and humbleness towards the game. He is an amazing person off court too.
My favourite surface is clay. It suits my game with the heavy forehand and grinding.
Q. What are your immediate goals?
My goal is to play Men’s Singles Qualifying of the French Open next year.