India’s top-ranked singles tennis participant Sumit Nagal surprised World Quantity 27 Alexander Bublik of Kazakstan to maneuver to the second spherical of the Australian Open 2024 on Tuesday. It was a sensational victory for Nagal as he gained 6-4, 6-2, 7-6 (7/5) in a match that lasted two hours and 38 minutes. This was the primary time since 1989 that an Indian tennis participant beat a seeded opponent in a Grand Slam. The final occasion was again in 1989 when Ramesh Krishnan defeated Mats Wilander, the then world primary and defending champion on the Australian Open. This victory was one of many largest achievements in Nagal’s profession and a big step ahead for a tennis participant who was within the headlines for his struggles.

In 2023, Nagal shared his monetary struggles and stated in an interview with PTI, that his annual finances to outlive on the ATP Tour was round Rs 1 crore and he had simply round Rs 80,000 in his account.

“If I have a look at my financial institution steadiness, I’ve what I had firstly of the yr. It’s 900 euros (approx Rs 80,000). I did get a little bit of assist. Mr Prashant Sutar helps me with MAHA Tennis Basis and I additionally get month-to-month (wage) from IOCL however I haven’t got any large sponsor,” Nagal instructed PTI in an interview.

Following the interview, he acquired assist from main beverage firm PepsiCo India and the Delhi Garden Tennis Affiliation (DLTA). The monetary assist was essential for the tennis participant and his journey within the Australian Open until now has been an ideal end result of his journey.

After not getting a wildcard entry to the Australian Open, Nagal took half within the qualification matches and with three wins on the trot, he booked his berth and likewise ended up incomes round AUD 120,000.

The win in opposition to Bublik earned Nagal one other AUD 180,000 (Rs 98 lakh roughly) and with the victory, this grew to become the primary time that he reached the second spherical of the Australian Open. The world quantity 137 Indian might be enjoying within the second spherical of a Grand Slam for the second time in his profession.

Nagal will now face wildcard Juncheng Shang of China within the second spherical the place a win will create historical past for the tennis participant and also will earn him someplace round AUD 255,000.

(With PTI inputs)