“Sumit, you beauty!” Nagal BREAKS X with historic victory at Aus Open 2024
Sumit Nagal becomes the first Indian since Ramesh Krishnan at the 1989 Australian Open to beat a seeded player at a Grand Slam.
Melbourne: Who would have thought that Sumit Nagal would beat 31st seed Alexander Bulbik. The two had not met before today's first round match on Court No. 6. Nagal was the underdog, but then he punched above his weight to record an emphatic victory over the Kazak 6-4, 6-2, 7-6 (7-5). It seemed like Nagal had mastered Bulbik's big serve early in the match and that always kept him ahead in the match. With the win, Nagal advances to the second round. The 26-year-old becomes the first Indian since Ramesh Krishnan at the 1989 Australian Open to defeat a seeded player at a Grand Slam.
Here's how fans celebrated his win over X:
SUMIT NAGAL! 🔥
This is the first time in 35 years that an Indian 🇮🇳 has defeated a seeded player at a Grand Slam.#AO24 | #ausopen pic.twitter.com/q7bIFbJ9Cn
— Shyam Vasudevan (@JesuisShyam) January 16, 2024
Just four months ago, India's No. 1 Sumit Nagal revealed that he had less than €900 in his bank account and was struggling to make ends meet
Today, he is the first Indian man in 35 years to beat a seed in a Grand Slam. In the 2nd of #ausopen after beating 31st seed Bublik. pic.twitter.com/vuaaTbxl0d
— Nikhil Naz (@NikhilNaz) January 16, 2024
Sumit Nagal, take a bow! History made on #AO2024 🤩 pic.twitter.com/0uhY0Tt6cA
— JioCinema (@JioCinema) January 16, 2024
HISTORY MADE BY SUMIT NAGAL!! The first time since 1989, an Indian player has defeated a seeded player in a Grand Slam in men's singles. Rising star of Indian tennis 🇮🇳🔥#ausopen #SumitNagal pic.twitter.com/YgpX8LEYu8
— Anand Abhirup 📌 🧡 🦩 (@SanskariGuruji) January 16, 2024
Sumit Nagal plays a stunning match, beating #31 Bublik in straights 6-4 6-2 7-6 to reach R2 #AustralianOpen. He reached the main draw after winning 3 matches in the qualifications (all 3 in sets). He has now won nine sets in a row. BIG RESULT for Indian tennis. CAMP @nagalsumit 🏆 pic.twitter.com/TXPHBHXreO
— Srini Mama (@SriniMaama16) January 16, 2024
#WATCH | Indian Sumit Nagal beat No. 31 seed Alexander Bublik 6-4 6-2 7-6(5) at the Australian Open.
(Video: Australian Open) pic.twitter.com/Ffe5rIAOhZ
— ANI (@ANI) January 16, 2024
The 31st seed was guilty of nine double faults and 44 unforced errors that led to his demise. He hit 41 winners, 12 more than Nagal, and 13 aces, but they were not enough to beat his opponent.