India’s top-ranked men’s singles player Sumit Nagal delivered one of the standout performances of the opening round at the PMR Maha Open ATP Challenger 75 in Pune, registering a commanding straight-sets victory over seventh seed Rio Noguchi of Japan to advance into the Round of 16.
Nagal required just two sets to dispatch the higher-ranked Noguchi 6-1, 6-2 in the Round of 32, producing a clinical display from start to finish on home soil. The Indian, who has endured a challenging start to the 2026 season, showed signs of improved physicality and sharpness as he controlled the contest across all key statistical metrics.
From the outset, Nagal looked the more assured of the two players, dictating play from the baseline and putting pressure on Noguchi’s serve early in the match. The Japanese counterpuncher, known for his court coverage and ability to extend rallies, struggled to impose himself against Nagal’s aggressive intent and superior execution on big points.
The service numbers reflected Nagal’s dominance. He fired eight aces in the match compared to Noguchi’s single ace, while maintaining a first-serve percentage of 76%. More significantly, Nagal won 68% of his first-serve points and an impressive 83% of his second-serve points, allowing him to maintain scoreboard pressure throughout the encounter.
In contrast, Noguchi found it difficult to gain any foothold behind his own delivery. The Japanese player managed to win only 57% of his first-serve points and just 45% on his second serve. Nagal capitalised effectively, winning 55% of return points on Noguchi’s second serve and converting all four of his break-point opportunities in the match.
The break-point conversion proved decisive in shaping the result. Nagal maintained a perfect 100% success rate on break points, converting four out of four chances, while also saving every break point he faced. Noguchi, on the other hand, was unable to convert any of his four break-point opportunities, ultimately failing to mount any meaningful comeback.
The Indian also held the advantage in winners, striking 25 clean winners to Noguchi’s 16, further underlining his attacking approach. By consistently stepping inside the baseline and taking control of rallies early, Nagal denied Noguchi the time needed to construct points in his preferred defensive style.
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The result marks a significant upset given Noguchi’s seeding and recent form on the ATP Challenger circuit. The seventh seed had successfully defended his title at Nonthaburi earlier this year and arrived in Pune with strong credentials. However, his performances in India this season had been inconsistent, including defeats in Chennai and Delhi.
For Nagal, the victory not only keeps his campaign alive at the ATP Challenger 75 event but also offers an opportunity to build momentum in front of a home crowd. Despite earlier struggles this season and reservations regarding playing conditions in Pune, the Indian appeared comfortable adapting his game to the surface and altitude.
With this win, Nagal moves into the Round of 16 where he is set to face Britain’s Felix Gill. The two players met earlier this season in Chennai, where Nagal emerged victorious in their first-round encounter after overcoming a slow start.
As the tournament progresses, Nagal will look to replicate this level of performance and potentially make a deep run in Pune. A win over a seeded opponent in such convincing fashion could serve as a confidence boost for the Indian as he continues his bid for valuable ranking points on the ATP Challenger Tour.
His first-round triumph against Noguchi has certainly set the tone for his campaign, showcasing both efficiency on serve and effectiveness in return games attributes that will be crucial in the rounds ahead at the PMR Maha Open.
