• Nagal’s Aus Open win = big payday.
• 1st Indian in 35 years to beat a seeded player.
• Overcame 2023 financial challenges, qualified post-hip surgery.

India’s top-ranked singles player, Sumit Nagal, secured a significant payday after defeating 31st seed Alexander Bublik with a convincing score of 6-4, 6-2, 7-6(5) on Tuesday. Nagal’s victory not only marked the biggest win of his career but also made him the first Indian man in 35 years to beat a seeded player in a Grand Slam singles draw, matching Ramesh Krishnan’s historic feat in 1989.

Nagal’s journey to the Australian Open 2024 was no less remarkable. Facing financial challenges in 2023, he found himself with less than a thousand dollars in his bank account. Undeterred, he battled through three rounds of qualifying to earn a spot in the main draw, guaranteeing himself a cheque for at least A$180,000 ($119,016).

Reflecting on his incredible journey, the 26-year-old athlete expressed his joy to reporters, stating, “Last year was probably one of the best years…from having only 900 euros, not getting into events for the first few months and relying on wild cards…to finishing inside the top 130.”

Nagal’s tennis career has been characterized by perseverance and notable achievements. In his Grand Slam main draw debut at the 2019 U.S. Open, he famously took a set off Roger Federer. Despite enduring tough times with injuries and undergoing hip surgery in 2021, Nagal made a triumphant comeback, capturing two challenger titles last year and climbing into the top 150.

The Haryana-born player, who initially aspired to be a cricketer, credited his teacher father for steering him towards tennis. After his recent victory, Nagal’s focus now shifts to the next round, where he will face China’s Shang Juncheng. However, he remains grounded, expressing a desire to savor the moment, enjoy time with his coach, and perhaps celebrate with a simple meal, saying, “Maybe eat a burger and call it a night.”

As Nagal advances in the Australian Open, the eyes of the world, particularly those of the two most populous nations, India and China, will be closely watching his journey in anticipation of more outstanding performances on the tennis court.

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