Sumit Nagal (AP photo) NEW DELHI: India's No.
1 tennis player Sumit Nagal has apologised to the crowd in Maia, Portugal, and local player Henrique Rocha for making a “talking gesture” after his first-round victory at the Maia ATP Challenger, saying it was a heat-of-the-moment reaction.Nagal, who prevailed 6-3, 5-7, 7-6(5) in a gruelling two-hour-and-56-minute contest, addressed the incident in a post on Instagram.
Rocha had served for the match twice before the Indian fought back to secure the win.“To the crowd in Maia, I want to apologise for the talking gesture I made after the match.
It was a heat-of-the-moment reaction, and it wasn’t the right way to respond,” Nagal wrote.
Watch Bombay Sport Exchange: Jonty Rhodes on why Indian parents must rethink sport “I respect everyone who came out to watch, and I appreciate you being there.
I’ve also spoken to Henrique and apologised to him personally.” The apology came after a fiercely contested encounter in which Rocha, who had won a title in Porto just eight days earlier, was looking to build on his recent form and collect valuable ranking points in his bid to break into the top 100.Nagal's response acknowledged the importance of respecting both the opponent and the home crowd, even in the emotional aftermath of a closely fought match.
Disappointing Asian Games for Indians The incident comes amid a challenging period for Indian tennis.
