Australian Open 2024: Sumit Nagal steps closer to main draw after dominating win over Edward Winter
Sumit Nagal: All you need to know about India's first tennis star to win an ATP Masters match at Monte Carlo
India’s Sumit Nagal has taken a giant step towards the Australian Open main draw after his dominating win over Australian Edward Winter at Melbourne Park on Thursday (Jan 11). Nagal, who will look to book his place in the main draw won 6-3, 6-3 at the Show Court Arena. He will nowtake on Alex Molcan Slovakia on Friday. If he succeeds, it will be Nagal's first Australian Open main draw appearance having previously appeared at US Open main draw.
Nagal takes step closer to main draw
After overcoming the challenge of Geoffrey Blancaneaux in the first round of qualifiers in straight sets, there was anticipation that Nagal could struggle against the local favourite Winter. However, the World No. 138 was in good form and dropped only five games before booking his place in the next round. The Indian won 84 percent of his first serve points while also dropping one point on the second serve. However, the decisive factor turned out to be the unforced error with the Australian producing 29 in the two-set contest.
Nagal also won five break points, while was broken only once in the entire match against the Australian opponent. The Indian last appeared in the main draw when he made it to the second round of the US Open in 2020. At that time he was the first Indian to make the Grand Slam singles second round in seven years after veteran star Somdev Devvarman. He was beaten by eventual winner Dominic Thiem in the second round.
When are the draws
The draw of the Australian Open included names of defending champions Novak Djokovic and Aaryna Sabalenka while other big names that were part of the draw included Wimbledon champions Carlos Alcaraz and Elena Rybakina. Iga Swiatek will be another favourite to enter the draw from the women’s division while two-time runner-up Daniil Medvedev will also try his luck at the Australian Open 2024.
The Australian Open 2024 will start on Sunday (Jan 14) and will conclude on Jan 28 with the final taking place at the iconic Rod Laver Arena at Melbourne Park.
