Top seed Cristian Garin overcame a second-set medical timeout and a spirited performance from India’s Sumit Nagal to book his place in the quarterfinals of the ATP Challenger in Poznań.
Cristian Garin survived a right thigh scare and a spirited challenge from India’s Sumit Nagal to win 6-4, 3-6, 6-4 in the second round of the 2025 ATP Poznań Challenger. Despite appearing disengaged during the second set, Garin rebounded with grit in the decider. Nagal impressed with overall better stats but missed his chance to close out the match.
In a tightly contested second-round encounter, the Chilean edged past Nagal 6-4, 3-6, 6-4 in 2 hours and 30 minutes on Centre Court.
The contest between Garin, ranked 116 in the world, and India’s Nagal, ranked 300 but with a career-high of 68, was their third career meeting with the head-to-head tied at 1-1. Expectations were high, and both players delivered a high-intensity clay-court duel, complete with momentum shifts, physical strain, and tactical adjustments.
Strong Start for Garin
Garin began the match with clarity and purpose, using his trademark heavy topspin and solid backcourt coverage to dictate points. The opening set saw the Chilean break early and consolidate effectively, using variety on return and measured aggression from the baseline. Though Nagal managed to steady the ship midway through the set, Garin’s early advantage proved decisive as he took the opener 6-4.
The stats supported Garin’s control early on: while he wasn’t serving at a particularly high percentage, he converted key break points and won crucial extended rallies. The first set felt like a test of Nagal’s resolve, and it was clear the Indian would need to raise his level to compete.
Momentum Shifts and Medical Timeout
The tide turned dramatically in the second set. Nagal came out with renewed energy and greater precision on his forehand. At 2-4 down, Garin called for a medical timeout, drawing attention to discomfort in his right thigh. He received an extended treatment period off-court, returning with a heavily strapped leg and apparent stiffness in movement.
For a brief period, it seemed Garin might not be able to continue. His footwork was sluggish, and he appeared disengaged, sulking through points and offering little resistance on return. Nagal capitalized, holding serve to go 5-2 and then closing out the set 6-3. The Indian looked confident, composed, and in full control heading into the decider.
At that point, Garin’s condition appeared uncertain. While he had required a lengthy MTO, there were conflicting impressions about the seriousness of his injury. His movement was never overtly impaired, and as the third set began, he gradually reasserted himself.
Third Set Drama: Garin Awakens
The deciding set was a microcosm of the match itself—unpredictable and tense. Nagal started well again, breaking early and pushing Garin deep with heavy cross-court forehands. At 2-1, the match looked to be slipping from Garin’s grasp, but the Chilean dug deep.
Perhaps sensing that the match might slip away, Garin refocused. He began serving with more intent, stepped further into the court on returns, and dialed in his backhand. The body language changed noticeably—gone was the sulking posture of the second set, replaced by clenched fists and frequent self-encouragement.
The turning point came with Garin breaking back to level the set at 3-3. From there, the top seed played arguably his best tennis of the day. Despite facing a near-perfect 4/5 break point conversion rate from Nagal, Garin’s own ability to carve out 15 opportunities (converting 5) kept him alive throughout.
With Nagal serving to stay in the match at 4-5, Garin produced one final push. A stunning return on match point sealed the deal a clean backhand winner down the line that left Nagal frozen.
Stats Reflect Tight Contest
While Garin emerged victorious, the statistics highlight how closely fought the match was:
- Points Won: Nagal – 91, Garin – 87
- Break Points: Garin – 5/15, Nagal – 4/5
- Aces: Nagal – 4, Garin – 3
- Double Faults: Nagal – 2, Garin – 3
- 1st Serve % Won: Nagal – 64%, Garin – 62%
- 2nd Serve % Won: Garin – 50%, Nagal – 46%
In many ways, Nagal outplayed Garin in crucial categories. He won more points overall and was clinical on break opportunities. Yet, Garin’s ability to reset mentally and physically after a shaky second set underscored his top-seed credentials.
Nagal Shows Promise, But Misses Opportunity
For Nagal, the match will be a tough one to digest. He had momentum, an ailing opponent, and a lead early in the third set. But as the match wore on, Garin’s resilience and big-match experience tilted the contest in his favor.
Still, this performance will offer encouragement for the Indian. Returning from injury and playing at the Challenger level, Nagal pushed a top-20 caliber opponent to the edge. With more match play and consistent health, he remains a threat on clay.
Cristian Garin advances to the quarterfinals of the Poznań Open, where he will look to continue building form as he eyes a return to the ATP Top 100. For Sumit Nagal, this match represents both a missed opportunity and a sign that his game is trending in the right direction.
The Poznań Challenger continues to showcase top-tier talent on the clay, and with players like Garin tested so early in the week, the battles ahead promise more drama.
