I think people don’t understand how expensive it is," says Nagal, former world No. 68, on the cost of a professional career

Sumit Nagal, 27, reached a career-high ranking of No. 68 in July 2024. Having fallen outside the top 300 this year, the Indian player was interviewed by Talking Tennis during the Bonn Challenger held this week.

Among other topics, he was asked about his financial situation after ten seasons on the professional tour:

"I think I’ve made a profit in two years. I’d say 2019 and 2024. Also 2020, because I didn’t play for six months due to Covid (laughs). I think people outside of tennis don’t understand how expensive it is. Our expenses are very high because we pay for everything in our team.

There are many other sports where the management and clubs cover the costs. It doesn’t work like that in tennis. In India, you can get help if the Federation or the government pays for you.