Sumit Nagal defeats Flavio Cobolli in straight sets in Monte Carlo Masters qualifiers opener, eyes main draw entry

Sumit Nagal will next face 55th ranked Argentinian Facundo Diaz Acosta for a spot in the main draw.

India’s top-ranked men’s singles tennis player, Sumit Nagal, secured a decisive victory in the Monte Carlo Masters 2024 qualifiers on Saturday. The 2024 Chennai Challenger Open winner defeated Italy’s Flavio Cobolli, world no 63, in straight sets, signaling a strong start to his campaign.

Nagal, who hadn’t had a good time after Chennai Challengers’ victory, defeated Cobolli 6-2, 6-3. His aggressive play and sharp groundstrokes kept the Italian contender on the defensive.

Sumit Nagal secured his win with powerful serves, successfully landing 73% of his first serves and capitalizing on every chance by winning each breakpoint opportunity

Nagal’s next challenge lies in the final qualifier fixture, where he will compete against the world no. 55 Argentinian Facundo Díaz Acosta.

This year has been particularly significant for Nagal, who made headlines with his entry into the main draw of the Australian Open in January. There, he achieved a remarkable win over Kazakhstan’s Alexander Bublik before exiting in the second round, becoming the first Indian player to defeat a seed in 35 years.

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Following this, Nagal clinched the title at the Chennai Open and continued to build on his success with appearances in two Challenger events, the ATP 500 Dubai Championship, and two ATP 1000 Masters tournaments in Indian Wells and Miami.

Since his Chennai Challenger victory, Nagal has reached the semifinals on only one occasion. The World no. 95 also failed to qualify for the Main draw of the Miami Masters. Seven Qualifiers will secure a spot in the main draw of the Monte Carlo Masters 2024.

India will also see a representation in men’s doubles with the top-ranked doubles team of Rohan Bopanna and Australia’s Matthew Ebden also set to play on clay court after their recent victory in Miami Masters. Duo also clinched the Australian Open at the start of the year.

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