Top ranked indian on the ATP Circuit Sumit Nagal who was seeded third at the ATP75 challenger event at Germany lost to Hassan from Lebanon.
It was a massive opportunity for Nagal to gain some crucial points and experience before he leaves for US Open qualifying. The fourth and the last grand slam of the year will finally see an Indian male competing in the singles competition.
Sumit who is now ranked 183 would have hoped for a better result against Hassan. After losing the first set 2-6 one hoped that Nagal will make a comeback but the Lebanese had different plans.
Hassan served 5 aces during the match and converted 4 of the 7 break points opportunities.
At the last week tournament as well Nagal had lost to a lower ranked qualifier and made an early exit from the tournament.
Sumit is having a great year on clay otherwise having won a ATP Challenger in Finland and the other in Italy.
Given the scenario of Indian tennis in the singles circuits Sumit has been the lone ranger trying to keep the hopes alive.
He is currently ranked 183 currently while has a career high of 122.
Sumit is expected to play the US Open qualifiers next directly and it will be interesting to see how he makes the shift from clay court to hard. Its very well known that he prefers the clay circuit and plays majority of tournaments in Europe.
