Delhi Open: Sumit Nagal Starts Strong In Capital City With Win Over David Jorda Sanchis

Last Updated:February 17, 2026, 20:28 IST

Nagal got the better of Spaniard Sanchis 6-3, 7-5 in a first-round game that lasted an hour and 27 minutes to advance.

India’s top-ranked singles tennis player, Sumit Nagal, began his campaign with a straight-set victory over Spain’s David Jorda Sanchis at the Delhi Open on Tuesday.

However, the day also saw a major upset as top seed Dane Sweeny of Australia was eliminated in the opening round by Kazakhstan’s Beibit Zhukayev.

Nagal, ranked No. 297 in the world, defeated Sanchis 6-3, 7-5 in one hour and 27 minutes to advance to the second round. He broke the Spaniard in the opening game of the first set and maintained his advantage to win it 6-3. The second set was more competitive, with both players holding serve until Nagal secured a decisive break in the 11th game and served out the match.

Nagal’s win was the only positive result in singles for the Indian contingent, with 18-year-old Manas Dhamne, qualifier Manish Sureshkumar, and wildcard entrant Digvijay Singh all losing in their openers.

Kazakhstan’s Zhukayev, ranked No. 292 in the world, caused the biggest upset of the tournament by coming from a set down to defeat top seed and World No. 134 Sweeny 6-7 (6), 6-2, 6-2. The Australian had entered the tournament following a strong start to the 2026 season, having reached the second round of the Australian Open and won an ATP Challenger 75 title in Brisbane.

Second seed Rei Sakamoto advanced to the round of 16 after defeating Chennai Open champion Frederico Ferreira Silva 6-2, 6-2 in the first round. Great Britain’s Jay Clarke, the third seed, also progressed with a hard-fought 7-6, 6-4 win over Polish qualifier Maks Kasnikowski.

(With Inputs Form Agencies)

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