Melbourne, Jan 12: A profligate Sumit Nagal’s Australian Open campaign ended in a straight-set defeat against world number 25 Tomas Machac in the men’s singes event here on Sunday.
The top Indian singles player failed to capitalise on his chances, losing 3-6, 1-6, 5-7 to his opponent form Czech Republic, who dominated with his superior consistency and precision.
Nagal, ranked 91st, started the match confidently, dropping just two points in his first three service games.
However, a double fault and a string of forced and unforced errors saw him lose his serve in the seventh and ninth games, handing Machac the opening set.
In the second set, Nagal had an early chance to break Machac in the opening game, but the Czech player held firm, saving the breakpoint.
From there, Machac seized control, wrapping up the set in just 36 minutes as Nagal struggled to keep up.
Trailing by two sets, Nagal mounted a spirited fightback in the third set, securing an early break and racing to a 3-0 lead, which he extended to 5-3.
However, a flurry of errors, including another double fault, allowed Machac to stage a comeback with a crucial break.
The Czech player capitalised on the momentum, closing out the match and ending Nagal’s campaign. (PTI)
