Sumit Nagal, a year ago above 500th position in the ATP Ranking and today 137th, achieved a historic feat at the Australian Open by beating Alexander Bublik, number 27 in the world, with a score of 6-4, 6-2, 7 -6. This success marks his first time in the second round of the Australian Open, a feat no Indian compatriot has achieved since 1989, when Ramesh Krishnan defeated champion Mats Wilander.
Sumit Nagal wins the first set by 6-2?#AusOpen #AO2024pic.twitter.com/VAEIxH8u71
— Doordarshan Sports (@ddsportschannel) January 18, 2024
This victory is particularly significant for Nagal, being his second in the main draws of a Slam and the first time an Indian player beats a top seed in a Slam. His career has been marked by challenges and sacrifices, including traveling at his own expense and without support from the All India Tennis Association, due to his choice not to participate in the Davis Cup in Pakistan. Before qualifying for the Australian Open, Nagal had to go through three qualifying rounds and, until recently, had only 900 euros in the bank, but he earned around 110 thousand euros thanks to his recent victory.
Nagal’s dream was finally shattered when faced with his next opponent, the Chinese Shang Juncheng, 140th in the ATP Ranking, who beat him with a score of 3-1 (2-6, 6-3, 7-5, 6-4).