Sumit Nagal of India performs a backhand return to Shang Juncheng of China throughout their second spherical match on the Australian Open tennis championships at Melbourne Park, Melbourne, Australia, Thursday, Jan. 18, 2024.| Photo Credit: AP

Sumit Nagal’s profession has been a narrative of struggles, accidents, defeats, and some successes alongside the best way.

For the Indian, all of it started right here, in a manner. In February final yr, he reached the semifinals of the ATP Challenger as a wild card entry in qualifying. That efficiency gave him the required momentum to restart his profession over again. He went on to win a Challenger in April 2023 in Rome — turning into the primary Indian to win on European clay.

When the 26-year-old returns to town to tackle a qualifier in the principle draw of the Chennai Open right here on Tuesday, he want to do one higher because the second seed. But, as at all times, the quintessential skilled stated he's specializing in one match at a time.

“It’s great to play a Challenger in Chennai. It is a privilege to play at home. I played in qualifying last time here and this time in the main draw. I am looking forward to it,” he stated. “Playing against a qualifier will be tough as they have already had a taste of the conditions,” he added.

Sumit turned the primary Indian since Ramesh Krishnan in 1989 to beat a seeded participant in a singles essential draw of a Grand Slam, when he defeated Alexander Bublik within the first spherical of the Australian Open final month.

After just a few hectic weeks, Sumit stated it’s good to be again at house. “I was at home for a few days, took some days off as my body was tired. Now it is back to the routine. I’ve been practising for the last few days,” stated the Indian, ranked a career-high 121 on the planet.

After making waves in Melbourne, Sumit will need to proceed his good run in a metropolis which has been a fortunate mascot for him.