Playing his first match on hard courts in 5 months, India No.1 Sumit Nagal exited in the first round of qualifying at the ATP Cincinnati Masters 1000 event. Nagal was up against a tough competitors in American Mackenzie McDonald, who received a wildcard into the draw. McDonald, now ranked 95, was ranked as high as 37 just last year.
Nagal had a slow start to the match, losing the first set 2-6. However, he made a strong start in set 2, going up 3-0. He seemed to be regaining his touch, but lost the six out of the next seven games to eventually lose 2-6 4-6.
Hard is McDonald’s favorite surface, with his best wins coming on the surface, including the one against Rafa Nadal at the 2023 Australian Open.
The full Match Replay can be found below courtesy TennisTV: