Indian tennis star Sumit Nagal put up a valiant fight against world number seven Holger Rune at the Monte Carlo Masters, taking a set off the Danish prodigy before ultimately falling in the rain-hit second round.
Nagal, who had already made history by becoming the first Indian to win a singles main draw match at a Masters event on clay, continued his impressive run by threatening to spoil Rune’s party. After losing the first set 3-6, Nagal rallied back to take the second set 6-3, showcasing his grit and determination.
However, Rune proved too strong in the final set, breaking Nagal’s serve twice to seal the match 2-6. Despite the defeat, Nagal’s performance was a testament to his growing stature on the ATP Tour.
The 26-year-old Indian had earlier stunned Italian Matteo Arnaldi in the first round, winning 5-7, 6-2, 6-4. He also defeated eighth-seeded Flavio Cobolli and third-seeded Facundo Diaz Acosto in the qualifiers to reach the main draw.
Nagal’s success at the Monte Carlo Masters follows his memorable performance at the 2019 US Open, where he took a set off the legendary Roger Federer. His recent achievements highlight his potential as a rising star in the world of tennis.
