Sumit Nagal enters top-100 ranking for first time after Chennai Open title

Sumit Nagal won his fifth ATP Challenger level title, outplaying Italy’s Luca Nardi in the final of the Chennai Open – an achievement which has propelled him into the top-100 of the ATP Rankings for the first time in his career.

Nagal’s 6-1, 6-4 win has taken to World No 98 with the rankings updated on Monday.

He is the first Indian to feature in singles top-100 since Prajnesh Gunneswaran made the cut in 2019.

“I’m very emotional (today). You know, every tennis player’s dream is to be top 100 at least. And like I said earlier, to win this match in front of the home crowd in your own country, I don’t think I could have asked for a better place,” Nagal said after his victory.

“I don’t think there were words, everyone was crying. Less words, more tears.

“I’m still very emotional. It’s been very tough last year with being ranked 500, getting surgery done, not having financial support.

“A lot of ups and downs, you know. And I’m very happy that I found a way to push every single day and give myself a chance to be here,” he added.

A big thank you to my sponsors - Indian Oil, Aryan Pumps, Asics, Maha Tennis Foundation & Yonex for the support over the years. It really means a lot to me 🙌🏽

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— Sumit Nagal (@nagalsumit) February 11, 2024

And thanks to everyone who turned up at the stadium to support me. I’ve never seen such a big crowd for a Challenger final. Thanks to my friends, family, and supporters around the world for all the love and support as well. We are just getting started 💪🏽

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— Sumit Nagal (@nagalsumit) February 11, 2024

Nagal had a tremendous Chennai Open where he went triumphed without dropping a set. He hoped the win will inspire young athletes to pursue a career in tennis, especially in singles event.

“We’d love to see more people playing the Slams, but I hope this win can push more people to pursue career in singles as well,” he said.

The Jhajjar-born has had a terrific start to the 2024 season. He qualified for the Australian Open and then knocked out top-30 player Alexander Bublik in the first round of the main draw.

“I am happy with the way I am controlling myself and the zone I am in. I think it is very important for a tennis player because sport is very important,” said the 26-year-old.

“Once you step on the court, it is just you. And if you are not in the right mindset, or if you are not seeing the right things, it is very tough to change things on the court,” he added.