How did Sumit Nagal perform at Tokyo Olympics? A detailed look at the Indian tennis star's performance at the previous Olympic Games

Sumit Nagal is the sixth Indian tennis player to clinch a junior Grand Slam title. The Haryana-born tennis star is currently the No. 1 ranked Indian player with a career-high singles ranking of world No. 80 achieved on 15 April 2024.

Nagal made his Olympic debut at the 2020 Tokyo Games. His journey commenced with a stunning victory at the Ariake Tennis Park as he beat Uzbekistan’s Denis Istomin 6-4, 6-7 (6), 6-4.

Nagal's win was historic as it was the first for an Indian men’s singles tennis player at the Olympic Games since Leander Paes’ bronze medal-winning performance in Atlanta in 1996.

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A deeper look at Sumit Nagal's performance in Tokyo Olympics 2020

Sumit Nagal displayed a promising start, matching Denis Istomin shot for shot as both held onto their serves in the opening set, with the latter conceding the set to the Indian with a break in the 10th game.

Nagal continued his momentum into the second set and secured a 2-0 lead. However, the Uzbek broke his serve and leveled the match by prevailing in the tie-breaker. The Indian, however, showcased his prowess and registered a much-desired win.

Nagal faced Daniil Medvedev of Russia of the ROC in the subsequent round. Regrettably, Nagal's Olympic journey ended as he struggled against Medvedev's powerful strokes and serves in the second round.

Notably, the Russian effortlessly secured a 6-2, 6-1 victory in just 66 minutes at Court 1 of the Ariake Tennis Centre.

Nagal battled from the outset when he lost his serve in the first game, netting a backhand. Notably, the match ended after his forehand sailed over the baseline on match point while serving.

Medvedev's strokes overpowered Nagal. However, the Indian managed to hit a few winners but it was enough for him to register a win.

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