Indian tennis star Sumit Nagal showcased his trademark resilience and fighting spirit to defeat Croatia’s Duje Ajdukovic in the opening round of the ATP 125 Naples Challenger in Italy.
Nagal, currently ranked World No. 139, overcame a slow start and a 1-4 deficit in the first set tiebreak to register a 7-6(6), 6-4 victory against Ajdukovic, who was once ranked as high as No. 105 in the world.
This victory marks an important step in Nagal’s European clay-court campaign as he continues his push toward breaking into the ATP Top 100.
A Gritty Win on Clay
Sumit Nagal, known for his counterpunching ability and strong defensive game, was tested early in the match by Ajdukovic’s powerful serve and aggressive baseline game.
The Croatian took control in the first set tiebreak, surging to a 4-1 lead, but Nagal held his nerve, playing solid, high-percentage tennis to claw his way back. He eventually edged out the tiebreak 8-6, securing a crucial one-set lead.
Ajdukovic, who had taken a medical timeout due to a thigh/leg issue early in the second set, continued to battle but struggled with movement at key moments. Nagal took full advantage, breaking at 2-1 in the second set and maintaining his lead to close out the match 7-6(6), 6-4.
Turning His Form Around
This victory comes as a much-needed confidence booster for Nagal, especially after his early exit at the ATP 75 Murcia Challenger last week, where he suffered a 4-6, 1-6 defeat against Pablo Llamas Ruiz.
Unlike in Murcia, where he struggled to impose his game, Nagal looked far more comfortable in Naples, dictating play from the baseline and constructing points intelligently on the slower surface.
A Tough Test Awaits: Likely Clash vs Top Seed Luciano Darderi
With this win, Nagal is likely to face Italy’s Luciano Darderi, the tournament’s top seed and World No. 61, in the second round. Darderi, a clay-court specialist, recently won his maiden ATP title in Córdoba and will be a major challenge for the Indian.
If Nagal hopes to cause an upset, he will need to:
✅ Improve his first serve percentage to avoid giving Darderi easy attacking opportunities.
✅ Stay aggressive on return, especially on Darderi’s second serve.
✅ Use his defensive skills to extend rallies and force errors from the Italian.
What’s Next for Sumit Nagal?
Nagal’s run in Naples is crucial in his quest to break into the ATP Top 100. He has been India’s No. 1 singles player for some time now, and with his recent success at ATP Challenger events—including a title win in Chennai—he has shown that he has the potential to consistently compete at a higher level.
With Roland Garros qualifiers approaching, every ranking point will be vital. A deep run in Naples could significantly boost his ATP ranking and improve his seeding for upcoming ATP events.
Final Thoughts
Sumit Nagal’s comeback victory over Duje Ajdukovic is another example of his growing maturity on the ATP Tour. While bigger challenges await, this win proves that he has the game and mentality to fight through tough situations. With clay being a surface where he has historically played well, Nagal will be looking to make the most of his opportunities in the European swing.
Can he upset the top seed and keep his run going? Indian tennis fans will be watching closely!
