Australian Open 2024: Nagal crashes out after heartbreaking loss in second round

Australian Open 2024: India's Sumit Nagal's run at the Australian Open came to an end in the second round on Thursday, as he fell to China's rising star Shang Juncheng 6-2, 3-6, 5-7, 4-6. After a dominating first set, the 26-year-old Indian faltered against the 18-year-old Shang, who raised his game and secured the victory in 2 hours and 50 minutes.

News Flash: Sumit Nagal goes down to former Jr. World No. 1 Shang Juncheng 6-2, 3-6, 5-7, 4-6 in 2nd round of Australian Open. #AusOpen pic.twitter.com/0xYCTjhREB

— India_AllSports (@India_AllSports) January 18, 2024

Momentum shift in round 2

Nagal ranked 122 in the world, stunned everyone by taking the opening set in commanding fashion, dispatching the former Jr. World No. 1 in just 40 minutes. However, the tide turned dramatically in the second set. The Chinese wild card tightened his game significantly, reducing his errors from a staggering 17 in the first set to almost none. He also found his serve, pulling ahead 5-2 in the second with two breaks.

Nagal fought valiantly, but the momentum had shifted. He managed just one break point in the remaining three sets. While disappointed with the defeat, Nagal can take pride in his historic first-round performance, becoming the first Indian since 1989 to beat a seeded player. Notably, Sumit Nagal defeated 27-ranked Alexander Bublik in the Australian Open singles main draw.

How much will he earn?

However, victory secured a significant payday for Nagal, pocketing Aus$180,000 (approximately Rs. 98 lakh) for his second-round appearance. He had already won three qualifying matches without dropping a set to reach the main draw, marking his fourth Grand Slam participation.

Sumit Nagal is the top-ranked Indian singles player, who is making his return after injury. He was ranked out of the top 500 but he recovered well and secured the world rankings of 122.