India’s Sumit Nagal exited the Australian Open with a first-round defeat, struggling to cope with the power-packed game of Lithuanian Ricardas Berankis, here on Tuesday.
Nagal’s challenge deflated in a matter of minutes as Berankis’ powerful ground strokes proved to be too good for the Indian, who lost 2-6, 5-7, 3-6 in two hours and 10 minutes.
Nagal had lost to the world number 72 in the last week’s tune-up event too.
The 23-year-old Nagal reeled off four straight games in the second set in his bid to stage a comeback but the initial dominance by Berankis largely dictated the outcome of the match.
India’s singles challenge is over and now all eyes will be on doubles players — Rohan Bopanna, Divij Sharan and Ankita Raina.