Sumit Nagal relishes additional pressure ahead of big Davis Cup clash against South Korea

As India braces for a historic Davis Cup tie against South Korea, Sumit Nagal on Wednesday said that representing the nation in the Davis Cup brings an added pressure.

“When you have your country written behind you, there’s more pressure. It gives you also a lot of energy,” Nagal said during India’s press conference in Bengaluru.

“The environment is very, very different. There are a lot of people to support you. The noise is right in your face. You can see the team, how badly they want to win. So I think that gives you a lot of energy as well.”

India faces South Korea in the second round of Qualifiers, where a win would seal its passage to the last eight for the first time in three decades.

Nagal, who will be playing two singles rubbers, is familiar with Korean players and should use it to his advantage.

“I grew up with them from Under-12s in the same age group. I think all three of them are really good competitors, really good players. And I think they play very hard when they’re playing for Korea,” he said.

Balaji, who is expected to play a key role in the doubles in the absence of Yuki Bhambri, cautioned against taking the doubles match for granted.

“It’s good to be confident. But at the same time, Davis Cup is a different format and a different ballgame. So, on a positive note, we’re all positive,” Balaji said.