Sumit Nagal Creates History - Becomes First Indian After Ramesh Krishnan To Beat a Seeded Player in Grand Slam

Sumit Nagal is now the first Indian after Ramesh Krishnan to beat a seeded player in the Grand Slam, Australian Open 2024.

Sumit Nagal from Jhajjar, Haryana creates history by becoming the first Indian after Ramesh Krishnan to beat a seeded player in the singles main draw of a Grand Slam. Sumit beats Alexander Bublik by (3-0) in the first round of the Australian Open 2024.

The Indian stayed concentrated throughout, winning without dropping a set like he had done in all three qualifying rounds. He gained the lead and held on in a tense first set with numerous service trades, then established himself in the second.

Nagal’s Performance in US Open 2020

This is not unfamiliar territory for Nagal. He advanced to the second round of the 2020 US Open but lost to eventual champion Dominic Thiem. He had defeated Roger Federer in the first round of the New York Open the previous year. However, a spate of injuries ruined his last few years, and he had to work his way back to the World No. 122 rating after spending significant time outside of the top 500.

What’s Next for Sumit Nagal?

Sumit Nagal is going to face Shang Juncheng in his match. There are no major differences in the rankings of the players. Sumit stands at the (137th) spot, whereas Shang stands at the (140th) spot. Winning the match will take Sumit to the advanced round.

Head to Head

Juncheng Shang boasts higher talent, and having played fewer matches in recent days gives him an advantage. However, Sumit Nagal's tremendous wave of support and enthusiasm has leveled the playing field to some extent.

Given all of the circumstances, both players have a reasonable chance of winning the match, and the determining factor will most likely be who loses stamina first.