Sumit Nagal defeated Alexander Bublik in straight sets 6-4, 6-2, 7-6 (7-5) in the first round of the Australian Open 2024. By defeating the 27th-ranked player, Nagal has created history. He became the first player since 1989 to do so. Nagal played extremely well and won the first set, 6-4. After the first set, Nagal gained confidence and dominated the rest of the match. Even though the third set was a close game, Nagal went on to win the match.
As Nagal became the third Indian player to defeat a seeded player in the Australian Open, Vijay Amritraj was the last Indian to win the first round of the Australian Open against a seeded player in the 1980s. Bublik is ranked 27th in the world ranking while he is the 31st seeded player in the tournament. This makes Nagal’s win even more special and interesting.
Before Nagal played the Australian Open, he had a lot going on in his life. He mentioned that he didn’t receive support for coaching and training. He also didn’t have any sponsors for the tournament. Last year he was ranked 503 in the ATP ranking. However, now he is ranked 127 in the world rankings.
“Emotional. Tired at the same time,” – Sumit Nagal expresses emotions after winning the match
Sumit Nagal after defeating Alexander Bublik at the Australian Open 2024 expressed his emotions. Nagal, who is ranked 127 in the world rankings said he did not feel any pressure while playing against a seeded player. He was just enjoying his game and hoped for a good result. Moreover, he also stated that he’s grateful to the people who came to watch and support him.
Nagal at the press conference said, “Emotional. Tired at the same time. It’s been strong I would say the past few months where a lot of things has happened in tennis. Starting the year not getting into challenger quallies, to playing second out of a slam on Thursday. Like I said, it’s been emotional.”
