Sumit Nagal: A Rising Star in Indian Tennis

Sumit Nagal is an emerging tennis player from India who has recently garnered attention by achieving a place in the top 100 rankings of the tennis world. At the age of 26, Nagal has become the 10th player from India to accomplish this commendable feat.

Born on August 16, 1997, in Haryana, India, Nagal hails from a tightly-knit family, consisting of his father Suresh, mother Krishna, and sister Sakshi Shokeen. Standing at a height of 5ft10in or 178cm, Nagal has demonstrated his prowess on the professional tennis circuit by securing five ATP Challenger titles, two of which were earned in his home country at Bengaluru in 2017 and Chennai in 2024.

Nagal’s achievements can be partially credited to his coaches, Sascha Nensel and Milos Galecic, as well as former India No 1 Somdev Devvarman. However, one of the most influential figures in his career has been Mahesh Bhupathi, a former world No 1 doubles player and 12-time Grand Slam doubles champion. Bhupathi has been mentoring Nagal since their initial meeting in 2008 during a trial for Bhupathi’s Apollo Mission 2018 project. Following a successful trial, Bhupathi took Nagal under his wing, and the rest is history.

Nagal marked his Grand Slam debut at the 2019 US Open, during which he secured three victories in the qualifying rounds to enter the main draw. His performance drew attention from tennis enthusiasts worldwide, as he clinched the first set off the legendary Roger Federer before ultimately being defeated in four sets. Nagal further made a mark at Grand Slam events by progressing to the second round at the 2020 US Open and the 2024 Australian Open, solidifying his status as a formidable force in the realm of tennis.

In addition to his on-court success, Nagal has amassed an impressive $880,778 in career prize money, as reported by the ATP Tour website. As a junior player, he attained a ranking of No 23 in the ITF world junior rankings and notably secured the Wimbledon boys doubles title in 2015, making him the sixth Indian to claim a junior Grand Slam title.

Off the court, Nagal maintains an active presence on social media, boasting over 60,000 followers on Instagram, 19,500 followers on Twitter, and more than 12,000 followers on Facebook. His engaging posts and updates provide fans with insight into his life both on and off the tennis court.

Sumit Nagal’s journey to the top 100 is a testament to his diligence, commitment, and the unwavering support of his family, coaches, and mentors. As he continues to make strides in his career, he is poised to become a prominent figure in Indian tennis and a source of inspiration for aspiring young athletes globally.

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