Mon Jan 13 01:03:05 UTC 2025: ## Nagal’s Australian Open Run Ends in First Round Defeat

**Melbourne, Australia –** India’s Sumit Nagal’s Australian Open campaign ended in the first round on Sunday, with a straight-sets defeat to Czech Republic’s Tomas Machac. The 27-year-old, ranked 91st in the world, lost 6-3, 6-1, 7-5 in a match lasting two hours and five minutes. Nagal, the sole Indian representative in the men’s singles draw, showed flashes of brilliance, particularly a strong start to the third set, but ultimately couldn’t overcome Machac’s consistency.

Despite a promising beginning, Nagal was broken in the seventh game of the first set, allowing Machac to take control. The second set saw a further dip in Nagal’s performance, resulting in a swift loss. While he managed a 3-0 lead in the third set, Machac fought back, breaking Nagal twice to secure the victory.

Last year, Nagal achieved a notable upset, defeating a seeded player in the first round, a feat not accomplished by an Indian man since 1989. This year, however, his run was cut short.

While the men’s singles campaign ended for India, the country’s hopes remain alive in the doubles draw, commencing on Tuesday. Rohan Bopanna, a Grand Slam champion, will team up with Nicolas Barrientos, while other Indian pairings will also compete. No Indian women qualified for this year’s Australian Open.

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