Arguably the finest men's singles tennis player in India at present, Sumit Nagal stunned world number 27 Alexander Bublik of Kazakhstan in straight sets on Tuesday to enter the Australian Open second round for the first time in his career. The 26-year-old Nagal, who made it to the main draw through the qualifiers, beat 31st seed Bublik 6-4 6-2 7-6(7-5) in a gruelling match that lasted two hours and 38 minutes. As Nagal made history in the first Grand Slam of the year, cricketer Dinesh Karthik showered praise on social media.
"Sumit Nagal serves up a historic performance once again, winning the first round at the #AusOpen by defeating World No. 31 in straight sets-an outstanding effort with not a single double fault," Karthik wrote on X.
"This marks the first time an Indian has beaten a seeded player in a Grand Slam since 1989. We all should take note of his journey in this uncompromising world of Pro Tennis, filled with hard work, belief, and determination. Go well," he added.
Sumit Nagal serves up a historic performance once again, winning the first round at the #AusOpen by defeating World No. 31 in straight sets—an outstanding effort with not a single double fault. This marks the first time an Indian has beaten a seeded player in a Grand Slam since… pic.twitter.com/Z4O57NUk1P
Nagal's win on Tuesday was the first time in 35 years that an Indian beat a seeded player in a Grand Slam.
The last time it happened was back in 1989 when Ramesh Krishnan won over Mats Wilander, the then world number one and defending champion at the Australian Open.
The win also ensured Nagal's first ever progression to the second round of the season's first Grand Slam. In 2021, he had lost 2-6, 5-7, 3-6 to Lithuania's Ricardas Berankis in the
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