Sumit Nagal loses Wimbledon debut match after fighting four sets against Miomir Kecmanovic

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India's Sumit Nagal crashed out of the Wimbledon 2024 men's singles after losing his debut match at the grass-court Grand Slam event to Serbia's Miomir Kecmanovic.

The 26-year-old, who is ranked 73rd in the world, put up a brave fight as he gave a good account of himself on the grass court, eventually losing to the 53rd ranked Serbian tennis player, 2-6 6-3 3-6 4-6.

After coming into this tie as a heavy underdog, Nagal was bidding to become the first Indian tennis player in the men's singles arena to win a round at Wimbledon.

The former boys doubles Wimbledon champion lost 2-6, 6-3, 3-6, 4-6 to Kecmanovic in a match which lasted 2 hours and 48 minutes. Playing at his least favourite surface Nagal went down 2-6 in the opening round but bounced back to win the next set.

The last Indian to play a Wimbledon singles main draw match was Prajnesh Gunneswaran in 2019. Nagal, a heavy underdog going into the match, was bidding to become the 1st Indian since 2011 to win a round at Wimbledon.

The second set win sparked hopes of a come-from-behind win, however made a comeback by winning the third set 3-6. Later, he also managed to win the fourth set and the match but only after the Haryana-born star showcased his fighting spirit once again.

Sumit Nagal was down 1-5 in the final set, but kept fighting to break back and get a game away from levelling. However, his good friend Krecmanovic held his nerves to cap off a four-set win. With the defeat, India's challenge in singles.

Nagal, who recently announced his qualification in the Paris Olympics 2024, will now be seen in action with his Serbian partner Dusan Lajovic in the men's doubles event of the Wimbledon 2024. The Indo-Serbian duo will open its campaign against Pedro Martinez and Jaume Munar of Spain in the men's doubles first round on Wednesday.