MELBOURNE — A profligate Sumit Nagal's Australian Open campaign ended in a
straight-set defeat against world number 25 Tomas Machac in the men's singes
event here on Sunday.
The top Indian singles player failed to capitalise on his
chances, losing 3-6 1-6 5-7 to his opponent form Czech Republic, who dominated
with his superior consistency and precision.
Nagal, ranked 91st, started the match confidently, dropping
just two points in his first three service games.
However, a double fault and a string of forced and unforced
errors saw him lose his serve in the seventh and ninth games, handing Machac
the opening set.
In the second set, Nagal had an early chance to break Machac
in the opening game, but the Czech player held firm, saving the breakpoint.
From there, Machac seized control, wrapping up the set in
just 36 minutes as Nagal struggled to keep up.
Trailing by two sets, Nagal mounted a spirited fightback in
the third set, securing an early break and racing to a 3-0 lead, which he
extended to 5-3.
However, a flurry of errors, including another double fault,
allowed Machac to stage a comeback with a crucial break.
The Czech player capitalised on the momentum, closing out
the match and ending Nagal's campaign.
Last year, Nagal made headlines by reaching the Australian
Open main draw through the qualifiers and stunning higher-ranked Alexander
Bublik in the first round before bowing out in the second.
This time, his early exit against Machac marks the end of
India's campaign in the singles event.
However, Indian representation continues in the doubles
category.
Last year’s men’s doubles champion Rohan Bopanna, who
clinched the title with Australia's Matthew Ebden, will pair up with Colombia’s
Nicolas Barrientos this year.
Other Indian players in the doubles draw include Yuki
Bhambri, N Sriram Balaji and Rithvik Bollipalli, who will compete with their respective
partners.
