Sumit Nagal wins golden-point thriller as AOS Eagles shine in Bengaluru
Sumit Nagal clinched a golden-point decider to lead AOS Eagles past Aussie Mavericks Kites in the World Tennis League in Bengaluru. Paula Badosa and Gael Monfils also starred as the Eagles sealed a commanding 25-13 victory at S M Krishna Stadium
Bengaluru: Sumit Nagal defeated Dhakshineswar Suresh in a golden-point decider to help AOS Eagles beat Aussie Mavericks Kites, as Bengaluru witnessed another day of high-octane tennis in the World Tennis League (WTL), which continued its India debut at the S M Krishna Tennis Stadium on Thursday.
A men’s singles showdown between Nagal and Suresh headlined the first match of the day between AOS Eagles and Aussie Mavericks Kites. It was not just a clash between India’s leading singles star and his challenger, but also a clash of styles. While Nagal is a counter-puncher, Suresh, standing tall at 6’5, is already known for his big serves and attacking game.
After going toe-to-toe in the set, Nagal and Suresh delivered the first tie-break of the tournament. At 6-6 in the breaker, WTL’s deciding ‘golden point’ rule came into play. Nagal won the point, game, and set to complete the clean sweep for the Eagles, who soared to a 25-13 victory.
Paula Badosa had set the tone for the Eagles, overpowering Marta Kostyuk 6-1 in the opening set. Badosa, the 2025 Australian Open semi-finalist, has struggled with injury in the second half of the season but was at her stroke-making best against the Ukrainian.
The Spaniard continued her dominant run as she combined with Gael Monfils for a successful and entertaining set in the mixed doubles. Monfils’ athleticism and touch, along with Badosa’s firepower from the baseline, helped them upstage Suresh and Kostyuk 6-3. In the men’s doubles, Monfils-Nagal overcame Suresh-Nick Kyrgios 6-3.
The WTL, now in its fourth season, has given the Indian audience a unique view of some of the biggest names in the sport. While the tennis has been top-notch, players have also opened up in the fun, relaxed atmosphere, giving fans a glimpse into their personalities. Australian star Kyrgios has been a team player to the core, while Badosa and Monfils have danced their way to success.
Four franchises are competing this year and will play each other once in a round-robin format before the top two qualify for the final.
Each tie consists of four sets – men’s singles, women’s singles, men’s doubles, and women’s/mixed doubles. Victory is decided by the number of games won, with each game counting for one point.
Results:
AOS Eagles vs Aussie Mavericks Kites 25-13
Paula Badosa (Eagles) bt Marta Kostyuk (Kites) 6-1
Paula Badosa-Gael Monfils (Eagles) bt Dhakshineswar Suresh-Marta Kostyuk (Kites) 6-3
Sumit Nagal-Gael Monfils (Eagles) bt Nick Kyrgios-Dhakshineswar Suresh (Kites) 6-3
Sumit Nagal (Eagles) bt Dhakshineswar Suresh (Kites) 7-6
