Sumit Nagal achieves career-high world no. 80 rank in latest ATP rankings

Incredible leap from outside top 500 just one year ago.

Sumit Nagal’s dream 2024 season continued as he achieved a career-high ranking in the latest ATP Rankings released on Monday (April 15). Nagal, 26, has reached a career-best World No. 80 after a sensational run at the recently concluded Monte Carlo Masters 2024. His climb is a staggering rise after being ranked outside the top 500 just a year ago.

Nagal’s surge in the season started at the Australian Open where he became the first Indian male player in 35 years to defeat a seeded opponent at a Grand Slam when he stunned 31st seed Alexander Bublik in a commanding 6-4, 6-2, 7-6(7-5) straight-set victory to reach the second round, but the win at the Chennai Challenger in February, where he defeated Luca Nardi in the final was the one that helped into breakthrough in the top 100 at World No. 97.

What makes Nagal’s ascent even more impressive is the timing of his surge. With the European clay-court swing in full flow, the Indian’s favourite surface lies ahead, presenting him with ample opportunities to further cement his place among the elite. His recent strong showing in Morocco, where he reached the second round of the ATP 250 Grand Prix Hassan II event after beating Corentin Moutet.

He followed it up by becoming the first Indian singles player in 42 years to make the main draw at Monte Carlo, where he defeated Matteo Arnaldi for his first career Masters match win on clay.

Nagal also made his debut at this level as a lucky loser in Indian Wells, replacing Rafael Nadal to become the first Indian at a Masters event since 2019.

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