Sumit Nagal to play maiden ATP 500 event, qualifies for Hamburg Open

21-year-old Sumit Nagal pipped Spain’s Alejandro Davidovich Fokina, world number 128 and seeded third here, 6-4, 7-5 in the second and final qualifying round of the clay court event.

Published : Jul 21, 2019 19:13 IST , Hamburg

Nagal has enjoyed success in the last few weeks in the Challenger circuit, where he made five semifinals in seven tournaments. (FILE IMAGE)
Nagal has enjoyed success in the last few weeks in the Challenger circuit, where he made five semifinals in seven tournaments. (FILE IMAGE)
lightbox-info

Nagal has enjoyed success in the last few weeks in the Challenger circuit, where he made five semifinals in seven tournaments. (FILE IMAGE)

Taking a big step forward, Indian youngster Sumit Nagal on Sunday assured himself a maiden appearance in the main draw of an ATP 500 tournament, qualifying for the Hamburg European Open.

The 21-year-old pipped Spain’s Alejandro Davidovich Fokina, world number 128 and seeded third here, 6-4, 7-5 in the second and final qualifying round of the clay court event.

Before this, the 205-ranked Nagal, competed in the main draw of the ATP 250 Tata Open Maharashtra in 2018 as a qualifier.

ATP 500 events are next only to ATP Masters series tournaments and the Grand Slams.

Of late among Indians, only Ramkumar Ramanathan, Prajnesh Gunneswarana and Yuki Bhambri have played at the big stage.

Nagal has enjoyed stupendous success in the last few weeks in the Challenger circuit, where he made five semifinals in seven tournaments.

He recorded the biggest win of his career when he beat world number 56 Martin Klizan at Bratisilava Open last month.

He had started the year outside the 350-bracket but is now very close to top-200.

Sign in to unlock all user benefits
  • Get notified on top games and events
  • Save stories to read later
  • Access to comment on every story
  • Sign up / manage to our newsletters with a single click
  • Get notified by email for early bird access to discounts & offers to our products
Sign in

Comments

Comments have to be in English, and in full sentences. They cannot be abusive or personal. Please abide to our community guidelines for posting your comment