Miami Open: Sumit Nagal falls out in qualifying, Simona Halep loses on comeback

Simona Halep, the former world number one, did not have a happy return to the court after her early exit from the Miami Open in 2024. Halep was defeated by Paula Badosa of Spain on Tuesday, March 19, 6-1, 4-6, 3-6 in the first round of the women’s singles.

In the first set, Halep played outstandingly and placed a great deal of pressure on her Spanish opponent. However, Badosa proved she was up to the challenge, putting out an amazing return.

Eighty percent of Halep’s breakpoint opportunities were converted (4 out of 5). But ten double faults ultimately brought her down. Badosa has a difficult assignment ahead of her as she will next play Aryna Sabalenka, the two-time Grand Slam winner.

Regarding Halep, she resumed playing the game after the recent reduction of her four-year doping suspension to nine months. Halep was thrilled to be able to play her favorite game again, even if she lost against Badosa.

She said, “Today will always feel like a victory,” on Instagram.

Sumit Nagal goes down, battling In the second and last round of the qualifying round, Sumit Nagal of India lost to Chak Lam Coleman Wong of Hong Kong, and was therefore not able to advance to the main draw.

Nagal, who had recently broken into the top 100, lost steam after winning the first set. The score was 6-3, 1-6, 5-7 in his loss. Wong was able to break his opponent’s serve three times, but he was only able to do it once.

The 16 aces that Wong delivered also undid the 26-year-old Nagal. Conversely, the Indian could only muster one of them.

Wong won 38% of the points on his second serve despite being hesitant and making 5 double faults. But in every other area, he was superior to his opponent.