On Monday 8th April, Sumit Nagal becomes the first Indian player to win on a clay court in ATP Masters 1000. He defeated Italy’s Matteo Arnaldi by 5-7, 6-2, 6-4 at the Monte Carlo Masters. After winning the match he stated that he has ‘extra confidence’ while playing on a clay court. Meanwhile, after 42 years, he becomes the first player from India to play in the opening round of the tournament. Only Ramesh Krishnan is ahead of him. Ramesh Krishnan played in 1982.
According to India Today, “It’s my childhood. When I was young, I started playing tennis on clay when I was 8, 9 years old. I didn’t get much clay when I moved to Canada, but I have been living in Germany for the past 10 years. Somehow, I fell in love with clay, I move well, it gives me extra confidence and I feel like clay gives me that,” Nagal told Tennis Channel.
For Sumit Nagal it's not going to be an easy way in the ATP Masters 1000 as he is going to face Holger Rune who is World No.7 in the second round on 10th April Wednesday. In the last season at Monte Carlo, Holger Rune finished as runner-up against Andrey Rublev. Meanwhile, Sumit Nagal praised Holger Runne for staying in the top 10 rankings at ATP he also expressed his strengths and enjoyed the game.
I will try to enjoy the match - Sumit Nagal
As per India Today, “To be honest, I will try to enjoy the match. I am playing well; my body is feeling alright. So, you get on the court, you hit some balls. Everyone knows he is a very good tennis player, being in the top 10 for the past few years, a runner-up here. So, it’s about enjoying the competition, enjoying the match in front of such wonderful people,” Nagal added.
After winning against Arnaldi Sumit Nagal moved 2 places ahead to reach his career-best ranking of No.93. While earlier this year after beating Alexander Bublik in Australian Open and winning in Chennai Open he came into the top 100 position.