Insolite - When Nadal is away, Nagal takes over at Monte-Carlo

© AFP

Guillaume Nonque

le 09/04/2024 à 13h44

1 min to read

Arnaldi Indian Wells Monte-Carlo Nadal Nagal Raonic

Rafael Nadal was expected back for the first major clay-court event of the season, but had to withdraw at the last minute for Monte-Carlo. A bad habit since the start of the season. This time, it's due to a discomfort that prevents him from serving normally.

Although the Spaniard, 11-time Monte-Carlo champion (2005-2012 and 2016-2018), won't be there this year to continue making tournament history, he will be replaced by his near namesake: Sumit Nagal. The Indian made history in his own way on Monday, becoming at the age of 26 the first representative of his country to win a match in a Masters 1000 clay-court event.

Nagal turned the tables on Italy's Matteo Arnaldi, winning in 2 hours 36 minutes and 3 sets (5-7, 6-2, 6-4) on the ochre of the Court des Princes. The 93rd-ranked player faces another challenge in the second round, against Holger Rune, the outgoing finalist.

It's worth noting that, a month ago at Indian Wells, the same Nagal replaced Nadal in the draw to face Milos Raonic in the first round. The Spaniard had already withdrawn at the last minute. The man with 14 Roland-Garros titles could well be a natural replacement for Nadal, should he ever need an understudy.