Nagal crashes out of Australian Open qualifiers, Prajnesh progresses

After suffering a straight-set loss in the first round, India’s Sumit Nagal crashed out of the men’s singles Australian Open qualifiers in Melbourne on Thursday (January 16).

The 21st seed in the qualifiers lost to Mohamed Safwat of Egypt 7-6 (2) 6-2 after a one hour and 28 minutes contest.

Prajnesh Gunneswaran remains the lone Indian in contention after advancing to the second round of the men’s singles.

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Prajnesh, ranked 122 in the world, had to battle it out for one hour and 22 minutes to get past Yannick Hanfmann of Germany 1-6 6-2 6-1.

Prajnesh, seeded 17th in the qualifiers, will take on either Federico Coria of Argentina or Ernests Gulbis of Latvia in the final round. The Indian defeated local wild card Harry Bourchier 6-2 6-4 in the opening round.

Ramkumar Ramanathan on Tuesday (January 14) made an early exit along with lone Indian contender in women’s singles qualifier, Ankita Raina.

(With inputs from agencies)