In a surprising turn of events at the Monte Carlo Masters, Sumit Nagal secured a remarkable victory over Matteo Arnaldi in the first round. Nagal, known for his prowess on clay courts, displayed skill and determination to defeat the World No. 38 player in three sets.
The Indian tennis player showcased his expertise on clay as he outplayed Arnaldi with a scoreline of 5-7, 6-2, 6-4. This victory marked Nagal’s third win over a top-50 player and 11th against a player in the top 100, highlighting his remarkable performance at the prestigious event in Roquebrune-Cap-Martin.
Nagal’s affinity for clay courts stems from his early years in the sport, stating, “I started playing tennis on clay when I was 8, 9 years old… I moved to Canada, but I have been living in Germany for the past 10 years. Somehow, I fell in love with clay, it gives me extra confidence.” His comfort on the surface reflects in his gameplay, enabling him to excel in such high-stakes matches.
Looking ahead, Nagal is set to face World No. 7 Holger Rune in the Round of 32, acknowledging the Danish player’s talent while emphasizing his focus on enjoying the game. With a positive mindset and confidence in his abilities, Nagal aims to make the most of the competition and deliver a strong performance in the upcoming match.
Following his victory over Arnaldi, Nagal also climbed 2 places in the ATP rankings to reach a career-best ranking of No. 93. His recent successes, including wins at the Australian Open and the Chennai Open, have propelled him into the spotlight as a rising star in the world of tennis.
