Xtra Time Web Desk: Chinese tennis sensation Juncheng Shang halted Sumit Nagal’s progress into the third round of the Australian Open with a 2-6, 6-3, 7-5, 6-4 scoreline. The second-round game lasted two hours and 50 minutes. Nagal, who entered the match on the back of an inspiring win over No 31 seed Alexander Bublik, won the first set 6-2, but struggled to maintain momentum.
Despite Nagal’s early lead, Shang’s resilience, and improved serving from the third set onwards turned the tide in his favour. Nagal, visibly fatigued in the fourth set, could not match Shang’s consistency, leading to his defeat.
Also Read: Australian Open: Sumit Nagal stuns World No. 27 Alexander Bublik in first round
Nevertheless, the 26-year-old Nagal, exits Melbourne Park with memorable achievements, including making the main draw through the Qualifiers and securing a victory over world number 27 Alexander Bublik. Nagal’s efforts earned him AUD 180,000, a substantial boost for his 2024 Tour budget.
The match unfolded with Nagal engaging Shang in a baseline battle, securing an early break. Despite Shang’s efforts to recover, Nagal maintained the lead, ultimately winning the first set. However, Shang’s improved performance in the subsequent sets, coupled with a more consistent serve, secured him the victory as Nagal struggled to match the rising intensity.
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