Sumit Nagal opens up about his TPL experience and playing against Rohan Bopanna

India's tennis sensation Sumit Nagal has been one of the stand-out players in the ongoing Tennis Premier League (TPL) Season 6. Nagal is playing for Gujarat Panthers in the men's singles and doubles categories. Gujarat Panthers have made it to the semi-finals and Nagal is excited by the energy in his team's camp. He said that there is a very good atmosphere inside the team. “It's a lovely environment. Everyone is very nice and always there for us. I have enjoyed playing for Gujarat Panthers these two seasons,” Nagal was quoted as saying in a TPL release.

On the first match day of the league, Gujarat Panthers faced Rajasthan Rangers, in which Nagal faced Indian tennis legend Rohan Bopanna in the men's doubles category and lost the match. Reflecting on the matchup, Nagal said light-heartedly, “He beat me badly on the first day.”

Nagal said that it is not easy for him to play with Bopanna, because Bopanna has won one Slam.

“It's not easy playing with someone (Bopanna) who has won a Slam. At the end of the day, it's fun to be here and play against such experienced players,” Nagal said.

The Tennis Premier League is growing in terms of scale, competition and quality of tennis played each season. Sharing his experience of playing in the TPL, Nagal agreed and said, “It has been great. If you look at the quality of players this year, you can already see there is a big difference from before.” “

Lastly, speaking on his future goals and his career ahead, Nagal said, “My target is to achieve a top 50 ATP ranking next year and I will try my best to stay there.”