Tennis

Sumit Nagal, India's top-ranked tennis player, has secured his berth at the 2024 Paris Olympics, marking a significant milestone in his career. Nagal's qualification is a testament to his remarkable rise in the sport, which has seen him achieve the joint-fourth highest ATP ranking among Indian men since the inception of computerized rankings in 1973.Nagal's journey to the Olympics began with his impressive performance at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, where he became the first Indian man since Leander Paes to win a singles match at the Games. His victory over Uzbekistan's Denis Istomin in the first round was a historic moment for Indian tennis.In the past year, Nagal has continued to excel, with his ATP ranking soaring to 71. His recent triumphs include winning the Heilbronn Challenger in Germany and reaching the finals of the Perugia Challenger in Italy. These performances on clay courts were part of Nagal's strategic preparation for the Paris Olympics, which will also be played on the iconic Roland-Garros clay courts.Before the Olympics, Nagal will shift his focus to the prestigious Wimbledon Championships, where he will make his main draw debut. This opportunity will provide him with valuable experience and help him fine-tune his game ahead of the Games.Nagal's qualification for the Paris Olympics is a testament to his hard work, dedication, and unwavering determination. It is a proud moment for India and a significant achievement for Nagal, who has become a role model for aspiring tennis players across the country.

The Fenesta National Tennis Championship, a prestigious event in the Indian tennis calendar, is set to return to the DLTA Complex in New Delhi from September 30 to October 5. The tournament will feature competitions in various age categories, including men's, women's, and under-18 events for both boys and girls.The first week of the championship will witness the men's, women's, and under-18 events. The following week will be dedicated to the under-16 and under-14 events for boys and girls, as has been the tradition over the years.The Fenesta National Tennis Championship holds significant importance in the Indian tennis landscape. It provides a platform for young and aspiring players to showcase their skills and compete against the best in the country. The tournament has a rich history of producing talented players who have gone on to represent India at the international level.However, despite the tournament's significance, the Indian tennis calendar currently lacks international events for men and women. Anil Dhupar, secretary-general of the All India Tennis Association (AITA), has hinted that the next set of international events for men and women will be staged from September.Prior to March, Indian tennis had a busy schedule of Challengers, a WTA event, and a series of ITF events for both men and women. Since then, the cream of Indian tennis has been competing around the world, seeking to build on the gains made from the international events hosted in India.The Fenesta National Tennis Championship will provide an opportunity for Indian players to fine-tune their skills and prepare for the upcoming international events. The tournament will also serve as a selection platform for the Indian team that will participate in the Davis Cup and Billie Jean King Cup.

Indian tennis star Sumit Nagal has achieved a career-high ranking of 71 in the ATP singles chart, a testament to his impressive performances in recent tournaments. Nagal's previous best ranking was 77, which he attained last week.The 26-year-old's rise in the rankings is largely attributed to his runner-up finish at the Perugia ATP Challenger tournament on Sunday. Nagal's strong showing in Perugia earned him six additional ranking points, propelling him to his current position.Nagal's journey to the top has been marked by a series of notable achievements. Earlier this year, he made history by reaching the second round of the Australian Open, becoming the first Indian man to do so in over a decade. Despite a first-round exit at the French Open, Nagal is set to compete in the main draw of Wimbledon and the Paris Olympics at Roland Garros.In addition to his recent success, Nagal has also won four ATP Challenger titles since 2023. His victory at the Heilbronn Neckarcup 2024 Challenger event in Germany earlier this month marked his fourth title on clay.Nagal's current ranking of 71 makes him the highest-ranked Indian singles player. His consistent performances and impressive results have not only improved his ranking but also earned him a spot in the singles event at the Paris Olympics.Nagal's success is a testament to his hard work, dedication, and unwavering determination. As he continues to compete at the highest level, he is poised to achieve even greater heights in the world of tennis.

India's top-ranked tennis player, Sumit Nagal, suffered a disappointing defeat in the final of the Perugia Challenger on Sunday, losing in straight sets to Luciano Darderi of Italy.Nagal, currently ranked 77th in the world, was outplayed by his higher-ranked opponent, who is ranked 41st. The Indian player struggled to find his rhythm throughout the match, losing 1-6, 2-6 in just over an hour.The defeat marks a setback for Nagal, who had been in impressive form this year. He had won the Chennai Challenger earlier in the season and reached the second round of the Australian Open, a historic achievement for an Indian player.Nagal had advanced to the final of the Perugia Challenger with a hard-fought victory over former world No. 37 Bernabe Zapata Miralles of Spain. However, he was unable to maintain his momentum against Darderi, who dominated the match from start to finish.Despite the loss, Nagal's performance this year has been encouraging. He has shown significant improvement in his game and has established himself as a rising star in the tennis world. He will be looking to bounce back from this defeat and continue his progress towards the top of the rankings.

Sumit Nagal's impressive run continues as he storms into the semi-finals of the Perugia Challenger. The sixth-seeded Indian displayed his dominance, overcoming the challenge of unseeded Maks Kasnikowski of Poland in straight sets 6-4, 7-5. This victory marks Nagal's eighth consecutive win since the start of the Heilbronn Challenger in Germany.Nagal's path to the semi-finals has been marked by consistent performances. In the opening round, he triumphed over unseeded Nerman Fatic of Bosnia and Herzegovina. He then continued his winning streak against unseeded Alessandro Giannessi of Italy in the pre-quarterfinals.In the semi-final on Saturday, Nagal will face the winner of the quarterfinal clash between unseeded Bernabé Zapata Miralles of Spain and second seed Laslo Djere of Serbia. Nagal's impressive form has earned him a spot in the Paris Olympics next month, as he currently ranks 77th in the ATP Singles Ranking.Nagal's recent success is a testament to his hard work and dedication. His title triumph at the Heilbronn Challenger last week, his second Challenger title this season after the Chennai Challenger in February, has further solidified his position as a rising star in the tennis world.Nagal's consistent performances and impressive results have not only boosted his confidence but also raised expectations for his future endeavors. As he prepares for the semi-final in Perugia, Nagal will be determined to continue his winning streak and secure a spot in the final.

The All India Tennis Association (AITA) has officially confirmed that Rohan Bopanna and N Sriram Balaji will represent India in the men's doubles event at the 2024 Paris Olympics. This decision marks a significant milestone for Indian tennis, as Bopanna and Balaji have qualified for the prestigious Games.Bopanna, a seasoned veteran with over two decades of experience, has set his sights on winning an Olympic medal in his final appearance at the Games. The 44-year-old has chosen Balaji as his partner, recognizing his exceptional court coverage and agility.The selection committee, led by former Davis Cup Captain Nandan Bal, carefully considered all options before making their decision. Yuki Bhambri, India's number two doubles player, was also in contention, but Balaji's superior mobility ultimately swayed the committee in his favor.Balachandran Manikkath, who is closely associated with Bopanna's Sports School in Bengaluru, will serve as the team's coach. Rebecca Van Orshaegen will provide physiotherapy support.The AITA expressed its excitement over the qualification of Bopanna and Balaji, stating, "Their journey to the Olympics marks a significant milestone for Indian tennis."Bopanna and Balaji will now focus on preparing for the Paris Games, aiming to make a strong impact on the world stage. Their experience and determination will be crucial as they strive to bring home an Olympic medal for India.

India's Sumit Nagal has made significant strides in his tennis career, climbing 18 places to 77th in the latest ATP rankings released on June 10. This impressive jump has all but secured his spot in the men's singles draw at the upcoming Paris Olympics.Nagal's rise in the rankings is largely attributed to his recent triumph at the Heilbronn Neckarcup 2024 Challenger event in Germany. In a thrilling three-set final, he defeated Switzerland's Alexander Ritschard 6-1, 6(5)-7, 6-3. The victory earned him 713 ATP points, propelling him up the rankings ladder.The Paris Olympics will feature a 56-player draw for both men's and women's singles. According to established criteria, the top 56 players in the rankings will automatically qualify for the Games. However, a maximum of four players from any single country can make the cut. This rule provides an opportunity for lower-ranked players like Nagal to secure a spot in the draw.With his current ranking, Nagal is well-positioned to claim the last available ranking-enabled spot. The last time India had a player in the Olympics main draw was in 2012, when Somdev Devvarman earned a wildcard entry.Nagal's victory in Heilbronn was his sixth ATP Challenger title and his second of the year, following his triumph at the Chennai Open earlier this year. The 26-year-old is currently the highest-ranked Indian singles player and has won four ATP Challenger titles since 2023. Notably, his win in Heilbronn was his fourth title on clay tennis courts.Nagal's success is a testament to his hard work and dedication. He expressed his elation after his victory in Heilbronn, stating, "I'm proud to have produced my best tennis when it mattered the most." He also emphasized the importance of playing good tennis, regardless of rankings.Nagal's qualification for the Paris Olympics would be a significant milestone for Indian tennis. It would mark the first time since 2012 that India has a player in the men's singles draw at the Games. Nagal's presence in Paris would not only inspire young Indian tennis players but also showcase the growing strength of Indian tennis on the international stage.

Leander Paes' induction into the International Tennis Hall of Fame is a testament to his illustrious career. The Indian tennis legend, known for his exceptional doubles and mixed doubles prowess, has etched his name in the annals of the sport.Paes' journey began in a middle-class family in Kolkata, where his passion for sports was ignited. Inspired by his father's Olympic medal, he set his sights on achieving greatness. With unwavering determination and a relentless work ethic, Paes honed his skills and rose through the ranks.His breakthrough came at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics, where he became the first Indian to win an individual Olympic medal in 44 years. His bronze in singles was a watershed moment for Indian sports, inspiring a generation of athletes.Paes' true calling, however, lay in doubles and mixed doubles. He formed a formidable partnership with Mahesh Bhupathi, and together they dominated the circuit, winning three Grand Slam titles and reaching the top of the world rankings. Paes also enjoyed success with other partners, including Martina Hingis and Cara Black, amassing a total of 18 Major titles.Beyond his on-court achievements, Paes has been a vocal advocate for Indian tennis. He has played a pivotal role in promoting the sport at the grassroots level and mentoring young players. His induction into the Hall of Fame is a fitting recognition of his contributions to the game.Paes' legacy extends beyond his trophy cabinet. He has inspired countless Indians to pursue their dreams and has been a role model for generations. His unwavering belief in himself and his ability to overcome adversity serve as a testament to the power of hard work and determination.

India's top-ranked singles player Sumit Nagal faces a daunting task in the opening round of the French Open as he is set to take on world number 18 Karen Khachanov of Russia on Sunday. Nagal, ranked 94th in the world, earned a direct entry into the main draw of the Grand Slam after his consistent performances on the tour. He became the first Indian male player to qualify for the French Open main draw since Prajnesh Gunneswaran in 2019.However, Nagal's form leading up to the clay Grand Slam has been far from ideal. He lost to Holger Rune in the third round of the Monte Carlo Masters, before missing the Madrid and Rome Masters. The 26-year-old then made first-round exits from the Bordeaux Challenger and Geneva Open earlier this month.On the other hand, Khachanov, who has been seeded 18th, had reached the quarterfinals last year. He won the Qatar Open 250 in February and enjoys an impressive 21-7 record this season.Nagal's match against Khachanov will be a stern test for the Indian, who has never faced the Russian before. Khachanov is a powerful hitter with a big serve, and he will be looking to use his experience and ranking advantage to his benefit.Nagal, however, is known for his fighting spirit and determination. He has a strong baseline game and is capable of producing some stunning shots. If he can stay focused and play to his strengths, he has a chance of causing an upset.The match is scheduled to be played on Court number 7 at the Roland Garros in Paris, France, on Sunday, May 27. It will start after 3:45 PM IST and will be telecast live on Sony Sports Network. It will also be streamed live on SonyLIV app and website.