Auckland Open 2025: Sumit Nagal exits in first round after losing to 20-year-old Alex Michelsen

Sumit Nagal’s journey at the Auckland Open 2025 came to an early end as the Indian surrendered in front of 20-year-old Alex Michelsen in the first round match on Monday. Qualifying for the main draw after winning two matches in the qualifiers, Nagal took the lead before going down in the next two sets to eventually loose 7-6 (10-8), 4-6, 2-6. 

Displaying resilience in the opening set, Nagal saved six set points before winning the first set. However, ranked 41 in the world, Michelsen staged an impressive comeback to level the match.  

Nagal looked completely off-colour in the third set as the American unleased his dominance and played several well-placed shots to close out the game against 96th ranked Nagal.