Sumit Nagal awaits a tough opponent in the first round of the French Open 2024

India’s top-ranked singles player, Sumit Nagal, is set to face a challenging opponent in the first round of the French Open 2024. He has been drawn against world number 18, Karen Khachanov of Russia.

Sumit Nagal’s draw against World No. 18

Nagal, currently ranked 94th globally, has earned a direct entry into the main draw of the Grand Slam due to his consistent performances on the tour. This achievement marks him as the first Indian male player to qualify for the French Open main draw since Prajnesh Gunneswaran in 2019.

However, Nagal’s form leading up to the clay Grand Slam has been less than ideal. He lost to Holger Rune in the third round of the Monte Carlo Masters and made first-round exits from the Bordeaux Challenger and Geneva Open. Despite these setbacks, Nagal’s potential cannot be underestimated, and his fans are hopeful for a strong performance in the upcoming match.

On the other hand, Khachanov, who has been seeded 18th, had an impressive run last year, reaching the quarterfinals of the French Open. He also won the Qatar Open 250 in February and boasts an impressive 21-7 record this season. Given his track record and current form, Khachanov is considered a formidable opponent.

The match between Nagal and Khachanov is scheduled to take place on Sunday, 26 May 2024, at 15:30 IST. The win probability leans heavily in favour of Khachanov, with an 85.6% chance of victory compared to Nagal’s 14.4%.

This match-up promises to be an exciting clash. While Khachanov is the clear favourite, Nagal’s tenacity and fighting spirit could lead to a potential upset. The tennis world eagerly awaits this encounter, which will undoubtedly be a significant event in the French Open’s opening round.

Regardless of the outcome, this match represents a significant milestone for Indian tennis, highlighting the progress made by players like Nagal.

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