India’s men’s singles tennis player Sumit Nagal created history of sorts on Sunday, as he became the first player from the country in 42 years, to make the main draw of the Monte Carlo Masters. The 91st ranked Sumit beat Facundo Diaz Acosta of Argentina in three sets, 7-5, 2-6, 6-2, to progress in the competition.
This is remarkable achievement, considering no other Indian managed to do so in the last four decades. The last Indian to do so was Ramesh Krishnan in 1982, who lost in the first round itself.
Sumit Nagal’s Stellar Run
Before beating the World no. 55 Argentinian, Nagal had beaten Flavio Cobolli 6-2, 6-3 in the first qualifying round on Friday. Now, he will be up against another Argentina player Federico Coria in the first round, who is ranked 103rd in the world. What is noteworthy is that, Nagal is now assured of at least INR 20,78,000, just for making it to the main draw.
Back in January, Nagal had famously made it to the Australian Open second round, where he had beaten Alexander Bublik. He entered the main draw of Indian Wells as well, where he lost to Milos Raonic in the first round.
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