US Open Qualifiers 2026: Sumit Nagal exits in first round after loss to world no. 86

India's No. 1 singles player Sumit Nagal bowed out in the first round of the qualifying stage at the 2026 US Open Grand Slam in New York, USA, on Tuesday.

Nagal, the only Indian in the singles category, conceded a straight-set (3-6, 6-7) defeat to world No. 86 Arthur Gea of France in an hour and 54 minute long mach.

The 29-year-old was competing in his first Grand Slam event of the year but faced an exit in his very first match against the top-seeded player in the qualifying draw.

Sumit missed his early opportunities, failing to convert any of the four break points he earned in Arthur’s first two service games.

The Frenchman capitalised on the escape, prevented any further break points for the rest of the match, and converted his first and only break point to seal the opening set.

The second set proved much tighter, with both players producing strong returns, taking several games to deuce, and exchanging breaks within the first four games.

After an hour-long battle, Sumit held a set point on Arthur’s serve but once again failed to convert, sending the set into a tiebreak. The Frenchman then produced a solid tiebreak performance, winning it comfortably 7-4 to seal a straight-sets victory over the Indian.