Sumit Nagal reacts after stunning World No. 31 Alexander Bublik (Courtesy: Screengrab/Australian Open)
India”s Sumit Nagal sent social media into a frenzy after stunning World No. 31 Alexander Bublik 6-4, 6-2, 7-6(5) in straight sets to advance into the second round of the Australian Open 2024. It was a historic achievement for Nagal as he became the first Indian since Ramesh Krishnan at the 1989 Australian Open to beat a seeded player at a Grand Slam.
The 26-year-old will face the winner of Mackenzie McDonald and Shang Juncheng in the second round of the Australian Open 2024.
Nagal, who defeated Alex Molcan of Slovakia in the qualifiers, did not lose a set to reach the main draw of a Major for the fourth time in his career. He had recovered from a series of injuries to rise to 122nd rank after being placed outside the top 500 for most of last year.
Nagal was also the last Indian, himself, to play in the men”s singles draw of the Australian Open 2021 after receiving a wildcard reserved for one player from the Asia-Pacific. He is also the first Indian player at the US Open 2020 since Somdev Devvarman, seven years prior, to clinch a main draw match at a Grand Slam.
Check out how the social media reacted here:
The first Indian man in 3️⃣5️⃣ years to beat a seed at a Grand Slam 🇮🇳@nagalsumit • #AusOpen • #AO2024 • @Kia_Worldwide • #Kia • #MakeYourMove pic.twitter.com/SY55Ip4JaG
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 16, 2024
Sumit Nagal beats Bublik 6-4 6-2 7-6(5) at the Australian Open
Last year, he was outside of the top 500.
He said he had just 900 euros in his bank account at 1 point.
It’s not easy to admit that, but his story was raw, honest, & real.
He made $120,000 today. And he deserves… pic.twitter.com/Ddfv6ofZ4m
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) January 16, 2024
Sumit Nagal pic.twitter.com/W8RGtWhT4P
— RVCJ Media (@RVCJ_FB) January 16, 2024
Sumit Nagal serves up a historic performance once again, winning the first round at the #AusOpen by defeating World No. 31 in straight sets—an outstanding effort with not a single double fault. This marks the first time an Indian has beaten a seeded player in a Grand Slam since… pic.twitter.com/Z4O57NUk1P
— DK (@DineshKarthik) January 16, 2024
Sumit Nagal walks off court to screams & cheers.
1st Indian man to beat a seed in a slam in 35 years
He previously said he lacked support from India & was investing all his earnings into trying to live his dream
Today, his dreams are coming true 🥹🇮🇳
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) January 16, 2024
Sumit Nagal had 900 Euros left in his bank account last year. Today he beat Bublik & made $180000.
The sport is not about money, but someone who doesn’t have it knows it’s worth. He deserves every cent of the money for hanging in there & not giving up. Bravo @nagalsumit #AO2024 pic.twitter.com/0AestsEz0q— Shobhit (@NovakGOATovic) January 16, 2024
Historic day for India in the prestigious #AustraliaOpen 🎾
🇮🇳's Sumit Nagal makes history as the first 🇮🇳 to make it into the 2⃣nd round of #AusOpen in 11 years and 1⃣st Indian Men's Singles player since 1989 to defeat a seeded competitor at a Grand Slam event. Well done lad!… pic.twitter.com/r2DkXb2Wb1
— MANOJ TIWARY (@tiwarymanoj) January 16, 2024
26yo Sumit Nagal from India gets the 2nd career Grand Slam main draw win of his career, beats #31 seed Alexander Bublik 6-4, 6-2, 7-6(5) to reach the 2nd round of the #AusOpen for the first time.
Bigest win of his career.
What a moment for him! pic.twitter.com/IeS5p5kgYp
— José Morgado (@josemorgado) January 16, 2024
History created by Sumit Nagal! He becomes the first Indian in 35 years to defeat a seeded player at a Grand Slam, defeats World No. 27 Alexander Bublik of Kazakhstan in straight sets. He's bagged USD 120,000 with this win 🔥
It's a proud moment for South Asia 🇮🇳🇵🇰♥️ #AusOpen pic.twitter.com/euMFslpkKi
— Farid Khan (@_FaridKhan) January 16, 2024
