Sumit Nagal got prize money of 7,295 US dollars after making an exit in the first round of the ASB Classic in Auckland. On Monday, January 5, Nagal crashed out after losing to Alex Michelsen of the United States. After two hours and 40 minutes, Michelsen held his nerves to come back from behind and won the match 6-7 (8), 6-4, 6-2.
Nagal would be gutted that he could not keep his American opponent under pressure despite winning the first set. Had Nagal advanced to the second round, he would have assured himself a prize money of at least 11,935 US dollars. The winner of the men’s singles will get a prize money of 103,455 US dollars.
The runners-up, semi-finalists, and quarterfinalists will receive 60,350 US dollars, 35,480 US dollars, and 20,555 US dollars, respectively.
Sumit Nagal warms up before the Australian Open
Last year, Nagal got himself up to a career-best ranking of No. 68, but since then, he has gone through a lean patch. Currently ranked No.98 in the world, Nagal has a job on his hands to climb the ladder again in the rankings. Nagal had a decent time in the ASB Classic, winning both matches in the qualifying stage and making his way into the main draw.
In the first round of the qualifiers, Nagal defeated Alexander Klintcharov of New Zealand 1-6, 6-3, 6-1. Thereafter, the Indian star beat Adrian Mannarino 7-6 (5), 6-3 before losing the plot against Michelsen.
Nagal has happy memories of playing in the Australian Open. Last year, he defeated Alexander Bublik to storm into the second round. He had become the first Indian in 35 years to defeat a seeded player in Grand Slams after Ramesh Krishnan achieved the feat in 1989.
Nagal also played in the French Open, Wimbledon, and US Open, but could not qualify beyond the opening round of the main draws.