India’s top men’s singles player Sumit Nagal bowed out of the Shanghai Masters in the first round after suffering a 6-3, 6-3 defeat to China’s Wu Yibing on Wednesday.
This was Nagal’s second consecutive first-round exit. In August, he crashed out of the US Open in the first round after suffering a loss to Tallon Griekspoor. Later, he pulled out of the men’s doubles competition citing a back strain.
Of late, World No. 83 Nagal has been in the spotlight since he pulled out of India’s Davis Cup tie against Sweden. He was also at loggerheads with the All India Tennis Association (AITA) regarding his participation in the Davis Cup.
Nagal demanded an annual fee of $50,000 from the AITA to represent India in the Davis Cup ties. His demand for remuneration to represent the country in the international event divided the Indian tennis community.
But Nagal defended himself by stating it is “standard practice” across the world.
Against Yibing, Nagal struggled to retrieve the Chinese shuttler’s strong forehands on both the first and second serve.
While Yibing won 12 games, Nagal could collect only six. In terms of service points, Nagal trailed 29-36 against Yibing.
This was Nagal’s first event on the ATP Tour since his first-round exit from the US Open.
On Thursday, Ramkumar Ramanathan will play AlexanderShevchenko in the Round of 128. Ramkumar advanced to the main draw after winning his qualifying round matches.