In a significant shift in Indian tennis rankings, veteran doubles specialist Rohan Bopanna has dropped out of the ATP Top 50 for the first time in over 15 years, marking the end of a remarkable streak that showcased his consistency at the highest level. Meanwhile, India’s top singles player Sumit Nagal has also faced a setback, slipping outside the Top 200 in the latest ATP rankings released this week.
End of an Era for Bopanna
Rohan Bopanna, who turned 45 earlier this year, had maintained a position within the ATP Top 50 since 2009, establishing himself as one of India’s most reliable and globally respected doubles players. A Grand Slam winner and multiple-time finalist, Bopanna’s ranking dropped due to early exits and limited appearances on the ATP Tour this year. The decline may also be attributed to his gradual transition away from a full-time playing schedule.
Despite the dip, Bopanna remains optimistic. In a recent statement, he said, “Rankings are a number, but the passion for the sport is unchanged. I’ve always tried to give my best and will continue to support Indian tennis in every way I can.”
His exit from the Top 50 also signals a potential shift in India’s doubles dynamics, as younger players look to step up and fill the void left by the veteran.
Sumit Nagal Faces Setback
On the singles front, Sumit Nagal, once hailed as India’s brightest hope after Leander Paes and Somdev Devvarman, has seen a troubling slide in form. Once ranked inside the Top 100, Nagal has now slipped to World No. 212, primarily due to injuries and inconsistent performances on the Challenger circuit.
Nagal’s 2025 season has been marred by early-round exits and failure to qualify for major tournaments, including the French Open and Australian Open. The dip raises concerns about his ability to maintain momentum in the highly competitive singles landscape.
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Tennis analysts suggest that a fresh coaching approach and physical conditioning program might be essential for the 27-year-old to revive his career and regain lost ground.
A Wake-Up Call for Indian Tennis
The simultaneous slide of both Bopanna and Nagal underscores a larger issue: the urgent need for structured development and support for Indian tennis players at both junior and senior levels. While the country has historically produced outstanding doubles players, the singles circuit continues to remain a challenging frontier.
With the Paris Olympics looming and Davis Cup commitments on the horizon, the All India Tennis Association (AITA) may need to re-evaluate its long-term vision to cultivate and support a new generation of players capable of succeeding on the global stage.
What’s Next?
Rohan Bopanna’s future on the court remains uncertain, with speculation about a possible retirement later this year. As for Sumit Nagal, the upcoming Challenger tournaments in Europe could serve as crucial opportunities to reverse his downward trend.
Indian tennis fans, while disappointed by the rankings slip, continue to hope for a resurgence that can bring fresh laurels to the sport in the years to come.