Sumit Nagal Makes Historic Win at Australian Open

Nagal becomes the first Indian man since 1989 to defeat a seeded player at a Grand Slam, marking his triumphant return to major tournament play.

Sumit Nagal becomes the first Indian man since Ramesh Krishnan in 1989 to beat a seeded player at a Grand Slam, defeating world no. 27 and 31st seed Alexander Bublik in straight sets 6-4, 6-2, 7-6 in the opening round of Australia Open 2024.
Nagal's victory marks his return to the main draw of a Grand Slam after a three-year absence due to a combination of qualifying losses and injury-induced absences.
Nagal's strategy against Bublik was to play a clean game and draw out Bublik's errors, a strategy that paid off as Bublik's performance was riddled with errors.
Nagal's next match will be against China's Shang Jungchen, who is ranked below Nagal at 140.
Nagal has expressed his goal to change the system of tennis in India to produce more singles players, suggesting the need for more tournaments in the country, better coaching, and improved facilities.