There was purpose and intent in Sumit Nagals aggressive play from the start in his first-round match against 31st-ranked Alexander Bublik at the Australian Open 2024 on Monday.The Indian tennis star dominated throughout in a gritty performance, winning 6-4, 6-2, 7-6 (7-5) to become the first Indian mens singles player to defeat a seeded opponent at a Grand Slam since Ramesh Krishnan in 1989.#WATCH | Indias Sumit Nagal beats 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, 2024Taking control earlyThe first set was back-and-forth, with each player breaking the others serve three times. But Nagal ultimately broke Bublik to take a 4-1 lead and held on to capture the set 6-4 despite the Kazakh player pulling one break back late.Nagal broke Bubliks serve twice more in the second set to smoothly close it out 6-2, leaving his frustrated opponent even slamming his racket to earn a violation.Closing out victoryBublik attempted a comeback in the third set, forcing a tiebreaker at 6-6. But Nagal kept his composure in the pressure cooker, playing perfectly placed groundstrokes to win the tiebreak 7-5 and ultimately the match.Outplaying the seedThe world No. 137 Indian won most of the baseline rallies, using his signature inside-out groundstrokes to great effect. Despite having fewer aces, Nagal committed fewer errors and had a higher first-serve percentage than the erratic, mistake-prone Bublik.What looked to be a formidable task ended up highlighting the gulf between the two players.Second Grand Slam main draw winThis marked just the second Grand Slam main draw win for the 26-year-old Nagal, following his first at the 2020 U.S. Open.He had stormed into this Australian Open main draw after three victories in qualifying matches, including over Alex Molcan of Slovakia.What next for Sumir NagalWith this historic win, Nagal proceededs into the second round of the tournament. Here he will face the winner of Mackenzie McDonald and Shang Juncheng match. Statement for Indian tennisNagals statement win over a top player gives hope for the future of Indian mens tennis, marking the first time an Indian has beaten a seeded Grand Slam opponent since Krishnan in 1989.After strong qualifying play and now a first-round upset, Nagal appears poised to make an impressive run at Melbourne Park.
