Sumit Nagal finishes as runner-up at ATP Perugia Challenger, goes down in straight sets against Italian Luciano Darderi

The runner-up finish also halted Sumit Nagal’s run of nine consecutive wins on clay.

Sumit Nagal’s run of nine consecutive wins came to a halt on Sunday (June 16) following his defeat to Italy’s Luciano Darderi at the ATP 125 Perugia Challenger final in Italy. Nagal, 26, went down to top seed and 40th ranked Darderi in straight sets, 1-6, 2-6 bringing an end to his brilliant run for two consecutive weeks on the ATP Tour.

However, in some good news Sumit Nagal is set to achieve a career-best 71st rank when the latest ATP rankings are released on Monday. Darderi, who lifted his ninth ATP Challenger trophy with the Perugia title, is set to climb six places to 34th position.

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The match started with the Italian gaining the upper hand from the very beginning of the match. Nagal never looked in control as was defeated in straight sets in just 62 minutes.

This was Sumit’s first defeat after nine straight wins. He started his campaign in the tournament after winning the Heilbronn Challenger on June 9, after which he attained his career best ranking of 77 in the ATP World Ranking in the men’s singles category.

Even after the defeat, Sumit Nagal has risen up the 71st rank in the ATP Ranking in the men’s singles category. This is the joint-fourth highest ranking ever acquired by any Indian men’s tennis player. Earlier Sashi Menon acquired the same rank in his career.

Sumit also secured his qualification for Paris Olympics 2024 by winning the Heilbronn Challenger title. He qualified via the world ranking route. Nagal occupied the last spot (77) among players who obtained quotas through the world rankings.

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Sumit Nagal’s road to finale at ATP Perugia Challenger

Sumit Nagal started his campaign with straight sets (7-6(1), 6-2) win over Nerman Fatic in the opening round. He then went on to face Alessandro Giannessi, beating the Italian 0-6, 7-5, 7-6 (5) to set his foot in the quarter final. 

With straight sets win in the quarters against Maks Kasnikowski by 6-4, 7-5 sets, he made his entry into the semifinal round where he had to face Spain’s Bernabe Zapata Miralles. After a strong fight, Sumit registered a win in 7-6 (7), 1-6, 6-2 sets for a final clash at tournament. 

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