India’s Sumit Nagal faced a tough challenge in the Auckland Open ATP 250 event as he lost in the opening round to American Alex Michelsen. The 27-year-old Indian fought hard but eventually went down 7-6 (10-8), 4-6, 2-6 in a match that lasted two hours and 40 minutes.
A promising start for Nagal
After a strong performance in the qualifiers, where he defeated Adrian Mannarino in straight sets, Nagal began the match against Michelsen on a high note. He broke Michelsen’s serve in the fifth game of the first set to take the lead. However, the American bounced back immediately, breaking Nagal’s serve in the next game to level the score at 3-3. Michelsen gained momentum and broke Nagal again, taking a 5-3 lead. Despite the pressure, Nagal fought back and broke Michelsen’s serve in the ninth game to keep himself in the set.
First set thriller
The first set went into a tiebreaker after both players held their serves. Nagal started strong in the tiebreak, taking a 2-0 lead. Michelsen, however, maintained his composure and turned the tables, leading 8-7 at one point. Nagal displayed great resilience and won three consecutive points to clinch the set 7-6 (10-8).
Michelsen turns the tide
The second set saw Michelsen dominate early, breaking Nagal’s serve in the second game. Although Nagal managed to break back, Michelsen’s consistency and powerful game helped him regain control. The American broke Nagal again and closed the set 6-4. In the third set, fatigue seemed to affect Nagal, who struggled to keep up with Michelsen’s energy. The 20-year-old American broke Nagal’s serve twice, in the third and seventh games, to win the set 6-2 and seal the match.
Tough end to Nagal’s Auckland campaign
Despite a promising start to the match, Nagal couldn’t sustain the intensity required against a strong opponent like Michelsen. This defeat ends his run at the Auckland Open, but his spirited performance in the qualifiers remains a positive takeaway.
Editor's Pick
Cricket
Unpopular Opinion: Bumrah should be preserved for IND vs ENG Tests, shouldn't play in CT 2025
Top Stories
"I was trying to waste time": Sam Konstas admits wasting time before altercation with Jasprit Bumrah
