French Open: Karen Khachanov knocks out Sumit Nagal in opening round
TIMESOFINDIA.COM | May 27, 2024, 10.38 PM IST
NEW DELHI: Sumit Nagal's late resistance was insufficient as his French Open debut ended in defeat against the powerful Russian Karen Khachanov, who triumphed in straight sets on Monday.
The top Indian singles player, ranked 95th, struggled to counter the power and precision of his higher-ranked opponent, losing 2-6, 0-6, 6-7(5) in the opening round.
Nagal, who had stunned world number 31 Alexander Bublik at the Australian Open, was unable to replicate his heroic performance on the red clay.
Pre-match rain had slowed the court, making it more conducive to longer rallies. Nagal started strongly, but Khachanov secured the first break of the match in the third game, setting the tone for the rest of the encounter.
Nagal, though, did well to come back from 0-40 to save three breakpoints. However, looking for a wide forehand, he made an unforced error to hand his rival the first break of the match.
Rain interrupted the match and resumed after a 21 minute-break. The Russian came out firing on all cylinders as Nagal found it difficult to match the power of Khachanov.
It was effortless hitting from the Russian, which Nagal failed to counter.
Nagal had little time to react to the shots as the Russian made him run on both flanks. It was difficult to control or create points.
He was up 30-0 in game seven but Khachanov reeled off four points in a row to get his second break of the opening set, which he served out in the next game with an inside-out forehand winner, albeit after saving a break chance.
He needed solid start to the second set but Nagal dropped his serve in the very first game to go on backfoot. He had two break chances to level the set but Khachanov saved both and broke his rival again for a comfortable 3-0 cushion.
Soon it became 5-0 and eventually Khachanov bageled Nagal.
From thereon, it was a herculean task for the Indian to make a comeback. He fought his heart out in the third set, stretching it to a tie-breaker but the Russian's experience helped him end Nagal's fight.
Rohan Bopanna and Yuki Bhambri will compete in the men's doubles along with their respective partners.
(With inputs from PTI)
The top Indian singles player, ranked 95th, struggled to counter the power and precision of his higher-ranked opponent, losing 2-6, 0-6, 6-7(5) in the opening round.
Nagal, who had stunned world number 31 Alexander Bublik at the Australian Open, was unable to replicate his heroic performance on the red clay.
Pre-match rain had slowed the court, making it more conducive to longer rallies. Nagal started strongly, but Khachanov secured the first break of the match in the third game, setting the tone for the rest of the encounter.
Nagal, though, did well to come back from 0-40 to save three breakpoints. However, looking for a wide forehand, he made an unforced error to hand his rival the first break of the match.
Rain interrupted the match and resumed after a 21 minute-break. The Russian came out firing on all cylinders as Nagal found it difficult to match the power of Khachanov.
It was effortless hitting from the Russian, which Nagal failed to counter.
Nagal had little time to react to the shots as the Russian made him run on both flanks. It was difficult to control or create points.
He was up 30-0 in game seven but Khachanov reeled off four points in a row to get his second break of the opening set, which he served out in the next game with an inside-out forehand winner, albeit after saving a break chance.
He needed solid start to the second set but Nagal dropped his serve in the very first game to go on backfoot. He had two break chances to level the set but Khachanov saved both and broke his rival again for a comfortable 3-0 cushion.
Soon it became 5-0 and eventually Khachanov bageled Nagal.
From thereon, it was a herculean task for the Indian to make a comeback. He fought his heart out in the third set, stretching it to a tie-breaker but the Russian's experience helped him end Nagal's fight.
Rohan Bopanna and Yuki Bhambri will compete in the men's doubles along with their respective partners.
(With inputs from PTI)