Sumit Nagal advances to final round of Australian Open 2024 qualifers

Nagal defeated wildcard Edward Winter in the second round

India’s top-ranked men’s singles player, Sumit Nagal, is just one match away from making the main draw of the Australian Open 2024. The 26-year-old has been in fine form this week, not dropping a single set in his journey through the qualifying rounds.

In the second round of qualifying, Nagal claimed an easy straight-set win over hometown wildcard Edward Winter. The match ended with a scoreline of 6-3, 6-2 in favor of Nagal. He was quick off the blocks and didn’t give any chance to the Australian, dominating the match from start to finish.

Sumit Nagal’s performance was exceptional, with his serves, winning 77% of the first serves. Indian No. 1 also found Winter on break, Winning 5 out of 7 breakpoints.

Before this, Nagal had defeated Geoffrey Blancaneaux of France in the first round. Nagal defeated Blancaneaux 6-3, 7-5. The match was a display of Nagal’s powerful forehand and efficient serve, with him winning 84 percent of points from his first serves. He secured the victory in an hour and 46 minutes, breaking Blancaneaux’s serve once in each set.

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Nagal’s next challenge will be Alex Molcan of Serbia in the final round of qualifying. Molcan defeated John Milkman of Australia in Straight sets- 6-4, 6-3.

On the women’s side, Ankita Raina, India’s top-ranked female player, unfortunately crashed out of the Australian Open 2024 qualifiers. The 30-year-old lost to the Czech Republic’s Sara Bejlek in straight sets. Raina lost 1-6, 5-7 to Bejlek.

Despite the loss, Ankita Raina had a notable performance in the first round of qualifying. On Tuesday, January 9, she defeated Spain’s Jessica Bouzas Maneiro in a thrilling three-setter. In the third set, Raina saved a match point to make a stupendous comeback.

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