In a historic feat at the Australian Open 2024, Indian tennis sensation Sumit Nagal has etched his name in the record books, becoming the first player from the country to defeat a seeded player since 1989.Sumit Nagal’s remarkable triumph came in the opening round against world no. 27 Alexander Bublik, securing a convincing 6-4, 6-2, 7-6 victory to advance to the second round.
However, Nagal’s journey to this landmark moment is not only about his on-court skills but also about the unwavering support he received from Indian cricket star Virat Kohli. The cricket maestro, known for his philanthropy, played a important role in shaping Sumit Nagal’s career, extending a helping hand as early as 2017.
In a recent interview with the Bombay Times, Sumit Nagal disclosed the profound impact of Virat Kohli and his foundation during the challenging phases of his career. Nagal recounted a time when he found himself with a mere 6 dollars in his pocket, and it was Kohli’s support that proved instrumental in navigating those trying circumstances.
Sumit Nagal After historic feat at the Australian Open 2024
“Virat Kohli’s foundation has been supporting me since 2017. I haven’t been performing well for the last two years and was facing a financial crisis. If I didn’t have Virat Kohli supporting me, I don’t know what I would have done,” Nagal told Bombay Times.
“Early this year (in 2019), when I was flying from Canada to Germany after a tournament, I had six dollars in my wallet… just six dollars after the help that I have been getting, so imagine what a mess I must have been before. But I survived, and things are getting better. If people fund athletes, it will only help the sport flourish in the country. I am fortunate to get that support from Virat,” he further added
The synergy between these two sports icons transcends their individual disciplines, showcasing the spirit of camaraderie and support within the Indian sports fraternity. Virat Kohli’s commitment to nurturing emerging talents extends beyond cricket, and Sumit Nagal’s historic victory serves as a testament to the transformative power of mentorship and encouragement in the world of sports. As Nagal progresses in the Australian Open, the echoes of Kohli’s support continue to resonate, underscoring the significance of collaboration and mentorship in shaping the future of Indian sports.
This marks Nagal’s maiden advancement beyond the first round at the Australian Open. In the 2021 edition, the Indian player faced a setback, succumbing to a defeat against Lithuania’s Ricardas Berankis in the opening round with a scoreline of 2-6, 5-7, 3-6.
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Despite this, the world number 139 has previously entered the second round of a Grand Slam event. Nagal achieved this feat in the 2020 US Open, where he encountered a loss to the second seed and eventual champion, Dominic Thiem, with a score of 6-3, 6-3, 6-2.