India's Sumit Nagal made a giant leap of 18 places to reach his career-best 77th in the latest ATP rankings announced on June 10. Nagal's massive climb has almost confirmed his spot in the Paris Olympics men's singles draw.
Nagal jumped 18 places after he won 6-1 6(5)-7 6-3 in the Heilbronn Neckarcup 2024 Challenger event final in Germany against Switzerland's Alexander Ritschard. In a three-set game that lasted for two fours and 22 minutes, the spectators on the edge of the seats.
How Nagal has qualified for the Olympics
As per the criteria, the top 56 player in men's and women's rankings will earn an automatic qualification for the Olympics. However, there is a catch. Only four players per country are allowed to make it to the Games which opened the doors for Nagal.
Nagal will grab the last available spot in the draw as per the rankings. He will end a 12-year drought for an Indian tennis player in the Olympics manin draw. In the London Olympics 2012, Somdev Devvarman got an entry via wildcard.
The confirmation of Nagal's qualification will come on June 19. A week before the International Tennis Federation will notify national federations about the athletes who made the cut for Paris Olympics.
Nagal elated after closely-fought encounter
"Elated to win the title in Heilbronn this week. It was an important week for me, and I'm proud to have produced my best tennis when it mattered the most," Nagal posted on X after the win over the Swiss player.
"If I win a match like this, I can be proud because the fight was insane. Ranking is secondary, first goal is to play good tennis," the 26-year-old said at the end of his match.
This is Nagal's sixth ATP Challenger title. Earlier this year, he won the Chennai Open as well. He has a good record on clay tennis courts. The win in Heilbronn is fourth title on clay tennis courts.
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