A billon Indian hopes came down crashing, when 18-year-old Chinese JC Shang beat Sumit Nagal in the men’s singles second round, at the Australian Open 2024. But just a couple of days later, Shang, in the third round was no match to the second-seeded Carlos Alcaraz.
Even though the match could not be completed, as Shang retired midway through the third set, it was total dominance by the 20-year-old Spaniard. He led 6-1, 6-1, 1-0, when the Chinese needed medical attention for a thigh issue.
“It is not the way anybody wants to move on,” Alcaraz was quoted as saying by the BBC. Meanwhile, now with this win, he has not managed to reach the fourth round of all the four Grand Slams. Also, after missing the Australian Open last year, due to a leg injury, Alcaraz is the biggest threat to Novak Djokovic to take the title.
“I missed the tournament last year,” he said. “I was watching the matches at home from the couch, wishing to play in the second week here. It feels special.”
Nagal vs Shang
In their second round match on Thursday, Shang won 2-6, 6-3, 7-5, 6-4. Sumit looked in top form in this match as well, but could not close the third set. when he was leading it for the most part. The fourth set was a bit one-sided, and it appeared that Sumit had lost his steam.
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