Sumit Nagal rises to career-high 174 in ATP rankings after heroics against Roger Federer

Sumit Nagal, who came through three qualifying rounds, took a set off the Swiss maestro Roger Federer in the first round before losing 6-4, 1-6, 2-6, 4-6.

A first round appearance at the US Open has propelled India’s Sumit Nagal to career-high 174 in the ATP rankings released on Monday.

Sumit Nagal of India wins the first set against Roger Federer of Switzerland. (USA Today Sports)

The 22-year-old from Haryana leapfrogged 16 places after his first-round exit in the US Open.

Nagal, who came through three qualifying rounds, took a set off the Swiss maestro Roger Federer in the first round before losing 6-4, 1-6, 2-6, 4-6.

He became only the fourth Indian to win a set in the main draw of a Grand Slam in the last 20 years. Last year, he had competed in the qualifiers of the Australian Open, the French Open and the Wimbledon Championships but could not win a round.

Meanwhile, Prajnesh Gunneswaran continued his run in the top-100. He rose three places to be world no. 85. He, like Nagal, also suffered a first round exit at the hands of US Open runners-up Daniil Medvedev.

Ramkumar Ramanathan moved up one spot to be 176th, rounding up the top-three Indian’s in the men’s singles.

In the WTA rankings, Ankita Raina continues to be India’s top-ranked player at 194 and was followed by Pranjala Yadlapalli, who is placed at 338.