Indian No. 1 Sumit Nagal opened his campaign at the ATP Challenger 100 in Tulln, Austria, with a commanding straight-sets victory over Croatia’s Mili Poljicak, booking his spot in the Round of 16.
Nagal, currently ranked No. 293 in the world, defeated the 2022 Wimbledon Boys’ Champion 6-4, 6-2 in just over 90 minutes on Tuesday evening. The win comes at a crucial time for Nagal, who has endured a mixed run of form over the past month, losing four winnable matches from advantageous positions. This performance, however, was a reminder of his fighting ability and tactical discipline, particularly on clay a surface that has brought him some of his best results.
From the very first game, Nagal looked sharp with his groundstrokes, setting the tone by targeting Poljicak’s backhand — the Croatian’s less reliable wing. Poljicak, who is still transitioning from the ITF circuit to the Challenger level, struggled to adjust to the heavier clay conditions in Tulln. His normally aggressive forehand produced flashes of power but was unable to consistently trouble Nagal in extended rallies. Nagal broke once in the opening set and kept his nerve during key service games, especially at 4-3 when Poljicak tried to mount pressure. Sealing the first set 6-4 gave him the momentum, and he carried it decisively into the second.
The Indian raced ahead with an early break in set two, continuing to pin Poljicak into the backhand corner. Poljicak attempted drop shots and ventured to the net but lacked the consistency to sustain pressure. Nagal closed out the contest 6-4, 6-2, converting key chances and serving steadily when it mattered most.
Form Check: A Much-Needed Win for Nagal
The result is especially significant given Nagal’s recent struggles on the Challenger Tour. Since Wimbledon, he has shown flashes of strong tennis — reaching the semifinals in both Trieste and Tampere but has also let matches slip away in tight situations. Losses to players like Gijs Brouwer Wayenburg in Tampere, Mackenzie McDonald in Hagen, Jurij Rodionov in Bonn, and Marko Nedić in Sofia were particularly frustrating, as Nagal held opportunities in each. The Tulln Challenger offers him a chance to reset. It is a familiar venue for Nagal, who reached the final here in 2023. That positive history, coupled with this opening win, could help him rebuild momentum.
For Poljicak, the defeat adds to a difficult stretch. The 19-year-old Croat rose to prominence after winning the Wimbledon boys’ singles title in 2022, but his move to the Challenger Tour has been anything but smooth. Coming into this match, he was on a five-match losing streak. While he did show competitive spirit in his opener last week against Max Ouden, Poljicak has yet to secure a breakthrough result this season. His game built around a big forehand, a solid first serve, and effective net play can trouble opponents on faster courts. But on clay, his backhand weaknesses and tendency to get dragged into longer rallies leave him exposed. Against Nagal, those vulnerabilities were clear.
What’s Next: Jianu in the Round of 16
Nagal will next face 22-year-old Romanian Filip Cristian Jianu, ranked No. 267. Jianu, a left-hander, presents a different test with his consistency from the baseline and ability to grind matches long. The two players have not met previously on the tour, making this a fresh contest. Given Nagal’s improved level and tactical sharpness against Poljicak, he will enter the match with confidence. But consistency will be key something that has eluded him in recent weeks.
This Challenger run is more than just about points. With the Davis Cup tie against Switzerland looming on September 12–13, Nagal needs to find form and rhythm. As India’s top singles player, his performance there will be crucial in deciding the nation’s fate. At the same time, every win on the Challenger circuit counts toward his rankings climb. Currently outside the top 250, Nagal will aim to push upward quickly to position himself for ATP Tour qualifications and Grand Slam entries in 2026.
For now, this victory in Tulln is a step in the right direction. Nagal’s ability to stick to his game plan, exploit Poljicak’s weaknesses, and keep his composure under pressure bodes well for the coming weeks. With his sights set on regaining confidence and rhythm, Indian fans will be hoping this is the start of a strong run leading into the Davis Cup.
Tulln Challenger R32 Result
🇮🇳 Sumit Nagal (293) def. 🇭🇷 Mili Poljicak (304) 6-4, 6-2
Next Match: R16 vs. Filip Cristian Jianu (🇷🇴, 267)
