'This is the best I could ask for': Sumit Nagal after creating history at Monte Carlo

Sumit Nagal has had a record and milestone-filled year. The latest came at the picturesque Monte Carlo where he became the first Indian player to win a singles main draw match at an ATP Masters event on clay. Nagal produced a come-from-behind win against World No. 38 Matteo Arnaldi in a gruelling three-setter.

Nagal, who made the main draw via the qualifying route, erased a one-set deficit to turn the tables on his Italian opponent for a memorable 5-7, 6-2, 6-4 win in the first round.

The progress to the main draw itself was a milestone moment for Nagal and Indian tennis. He became the first Indian male singles player into the main draw of Monte Carlo Masters since Ramesh Krishnan in 1982.

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What a moment 🇮🇳

Match point as @nagalsumit makes history at the #RolexMonteCarloMasters
pic.twitter.com/ArfGUGEN5V

— Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters (@ROLEXMCMASTERS) April 8, 2024

“Milestones are nice. Very good match from my side, unfortunately not winning the first set even though I felt I was playing good tennis. Talking about the second and third set, I think I played at a very high level. I did what I wanted to do and got the job done on my serve,” said Nagal on the first round match.

Nagal remained unperturbed after conceding the opening set and broke Arnaldi’s serve twice in the second set for a comfortable 4-1 lead. When his own came under pressure, the India remained calm to sail through and forced a decider.

After trading breaks in the third, Nagal broke serve in the seventh game to take a 4-3 lead which proved decisive in the final outcome of the match. He consolidated the lead by pocketing the eighth game and served out the match in the subsequent game. As Arnaldi’s forehand went long, Nagal let out a huge roar in euphoria.

“If you lose the first set, doesn’t mean you’ve lost the match. I knew if the rallies were going longer, I was winning majority of the points. So my role was just try to figure (things) out, try to change strategy and once I was able to control points, it made things easier,” said Nagal on the approach.

🇮🇳 CINEMA 🇮🇳

Doubles world No.1 @rohanbopanna watching on as @nagalsumit becomes the first Indian to win a singles main draw match in Monte Carlo!#RolexMonteCarloMasters pic.twitter.com/vJpYIFCcME

— Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters (@ROLEXMCMASTERS) April 8, 2024

Nagal now has three top-50 wins in his career and two have come in 2024. He beat then World No 27 Alexander Bublik in the first round of the Australian Open in Melbourne. His last top-50 win had come in March 2021 when he beat then World No. 22 Cristian Garin at the Argentina Open.

It has been a year to remember for Nagal. He qualified for the Australian Open and Indian Wells Masters 1000 event , but lost to Milos Raonic at the opening hurdle.

Nagal, who beat higher-ranked players in qualifying in Monte Carlo, has ensured himself of a career-high rank of 80 following the win over Arnaldi, on a day when he touched career-high rank of 93.

“I didn’t know of this (top-50 wins). I’m just enjoying playing right now, enjoying competing. Given the time I lost, this is the best I could ask for,” said Nagal.

Up next for Nagal is a formidable opponent in Denmark’s World No 7 Holger Rune. The 26-year-old Indian said he was looking forward to producing his best tennis on his favourite surface.

“He’s a very good player. Top-10 in the world. Pressure is on him. I’m enjoying this ride with three matches under my belt here this week. Looking forward to it and hope I get to play the tennis I want to play,” said Nagal.