World Tennis Premier League: Sumit Nagal & Dhakshineswar Suresh pull off big upsets to list Indian tennis hopes
(Courtesy : @Media_SAI/Twitter)
Nagal and Suresh completed stunning victories to raise Indian hopes for 2026.
The ongoing World Tennis Premier league in India has the potential to do wonders for the sport’s growth in the country. Top ATP & WTA players like Daniil Medvedev, Paula Badosa, Nick Kyrgios and more are touring India (mostly) for the first time, and watching them play could inspire young kids to take up the racquet and play the sport.
Moreover, the Indian players will not get a better chance to rub shoulders with legends of the game, and their top singles players including Sumit Nagal and Dhakshineswar Suresh have scripted stunning results.
Nagal, once a top-100 player, has struggled for form in recent times, but signs of revival are clear. His inspired dismantling of world No. 23 Denis Shapovalov, capped by a one-sided 6–1 rout, was a resounding reminder of the Bengaluru player’s quality and class.
However, the biggest upset of all was recorded by DK Suresh, as he beat former World No. 1 and US Open winner Daniil Medvedev, in a thrilling battle.
Also Read: Bengaluru Open 2026: Sumit Nagal to lead India’s challenge in milestone 10th edition
The Russian might be out of form, but for Suresh to register a victory against a top-15 player, would do a world of good to his confidence.
This comes at the backdrop of the #524 ranked players’ heroics at the Davis Cup, helping India secure a win over home team Switzerland.
The finals of the 4-day exhibition event will take place on December 20 between Team Eagles and Kites, with potentially an all-Indian decider clash between these two singles stars to determine the result of the competition.
Who did Sumit Nagal defeat in the event?
Nagal produced a dominant win over Denis Shapovalov, including a one-sided 6–1 set.
Why is Dhakshineswar Suresh’s win important?
Suresh beat former world No. 1 Daniil Medvedev, a major confidence booster for a player ranked outside the top 500.
How does the league help Indian tennis?
It exposes local players to elite competition and brings global stars like Nick Kyrgios and Paula Badosa to Indian audiences.
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Aniruddh Seshadri Iyer is a passionate sports journalist at Khel Now, specializing in tennis and Olympic sports. An engineer by training, he found his storytelling passion through iconic Grand Slam and Olympic moments. Known for sharp analysis and insightful coverage, he draws inspiration from Novak Djokovic’s resilience. Outside journalism, he enjoys reading, traveling, and playing the guitar.