'Give myself another chance' - Sumit Nagal reflects on reaching Australian Open 2024 second round months after struggling with just 900 Euros

Published at :January 16, 2024 at 8:47 PM

Modified at :January 17, 2024 at 4:30 PM

(Courtesy : PTI)

Nagal became the first Indian to upset seed in 35 years

Sumit Nagal made history as the first Indian tennis player to upset a seed at a Grand Slam in 35 years when he beat Alexander Bublik in three sets at the Australian Open on Tuesday.

Nagal, who came through the qualifiers and was ranked No. 1 in India and No. 137 in the world before the tournament, overcame the No. 31 seed Bublik 6-4, 6-2, 7-6 (5) amid loud cheers from the crowd on Court 6.

The last time an Indian player achieved such a feat at a Slam was when Ramesh Krishnan toppled the top-seed Mats Wilander in the second round of the 1989 Australian Open.

Nagal, who became a sensation in India last year when he revealed in an interview that he had only 900 euros in his bank account and was facing financial difficulties as a professional tennis player, earned a whopping 180,000 Australian dollars ($119,151 in U.S. dollars) for his second-round berth – more than his entire earnings in 2023.

“It’s been an emotional journey,” he said. “I’ve put in a lot of hard work with my team, and I’m very proud of myself for being able to deal with the challenges that I’m facing and being able to play the way I want to play.”

“Like I said, in the beginning very emotional. I’m not crying right now, but of course, at the same time, it hasn’t completely sunk in yet.

You know, these moments you will go through as an athlete. Sometimes you’ll have a good year, sometimes you’ll have a bad year. Last year was not probably one of the best years in a term where, as I said, you know, 900 Euros, not getting into tournaments for the first few months, relying on wild cards in February to finishing 130 again.

It’s not an incredible, or like, you know, record-broken thing. From where I started, I was pretty proud of myself to be able to give myself another chance to be here, to qualify, to like I said, play second round on Thursday. It’s a good feeling.”, He further added.

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Sumit Nagal has shown that he is not just a survivor, but a fighter who can overcome adversity and achieve his dreams. His journey from having 900 euros in his bank account to playing in the second round of a Grand Slam is a testament to his passion, perseverance, and talent.

He has also given hope to many aspiring tennis players in India, who face many challenges and lack of opportunities in the sport. Nagal has proved that with hard work and dedication, anything is possible. He will face China’s Juncheng Shang on Thursday for a place in the third round. Nagal will be aiming to continue his fairy tale run and make history for Indian tennis.

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