India’s top-ranked singles tennis player, Sumit Nagal, recently participated in the Swiss Indoors 2024 in Basel. Despite an early exit, Nagal secured a significant amount in prize money.

The tournament, known for attracting top-tier talent, offers substantial rewards even for players who do not make it past the qualifying rounds. For Nagal, his journey came to an end in the second round of qualifiers, but not without a respectable performance.

Although he could not advance ahead, the 27-year-old’s efforts earned him €9,535 (approximately $10,093 or £8,317) in prize money. This sum reflects an 8.60% increase in prize money compared to the previous year’s edition, reflecting the tournament’s continued growth in financial incentives for players at all stages. While the financial rewards may not make up for the disappointment of an early exit, they are a valuable boost for players competing on the global tennis circuit.

Sumit Nagal began the qualifying rounds with an impressive win. On October 19, he faced off against Argentina’s Facundo Díaz Acosta in a tense and closely fought match. Nagal, displaying his characteristic grit, overcame his opponent in three tough sets. After losing the first set 5-7, Nagal bounced back, winning the next two sets in tie-breakers, 7-6(3) and 7-6(5), to claim victory and advance to the next qualifying round.

Unfortunately, Nagal’s journey ended in the second qualifier, where he came up against James Duckworth, an experienced Australian player. The match was competitive, but Nagal was unable to break through Duckworth’s solid play. Nagal lost 6-4, 7-6(2) in a straight-sets defeat, which ended his campaign at the Swiss Indoors 2024. Despite his strong showing in the first round, Nagal could not maintain his momentum, but his fighting spirit was evident throughout the match.

Although Nagal’s Swiss Indoors 2024 run ended earlier than he would have expected, his second-round appearance in the qualifiers earned him valuable prize money.

The €9,535 prize provides a much-needed financial boost, helping him continue to compete in top-tier tournaments worldwide. While Nagal would have certainly preferred a deeper run in the competition, his performance shows he remains a formidable competitor on the international tennis stage, and with further opportunities ahead, he will be looking to build on this experience.