World Tennis League: India's Nagal shines in doubles as TSL Hawks win

Abu Dhabi, Dec 20 (IANS) India's top singles player Sumit Nagal came up with a fine performance in doubles as TSL Hawks, after a dramatic Super Shootout loss in the opener, bounced back in style to defeat the HonorFX Eagles 21-14 in Match 3 of the World Tennis League Season 3 at the iconic Etihad Arena here on Friday.

Just like the opening day, Aryna Sabalenka and Mirra Andreeva showcased excellent coordination in the women’s doubles, dominating the set against HonorFX Eagles’ Iga Swiatek and Paula Badosa. Sabalenka and Andreeva surged to a massive 5-0 lead, pushing their opponents on the backfoot. Although the Eagles managed to hold serve to pull a game back, Sabalenka and Andreeva swiftly closed out the set 6-1, giving the TSL Hawks a crucial advantage in the match as they delivered a clinical performance.

Sabalenka carried her momentum into the women’s singles against Badosa, delivering a commanding performance to win the set 6-2. Her victory further extended the TSL Hawks’ overall lead to 12-3.

In the men’s doubles, Alexander Shevchenko and Stefanos Tsitsipas secured an early break for the HonorFX Eagles in the third game. However, TSL Hawks’ Sumit Nagal and Jordan Thompson responded immediately, breaking back to level the score and taking a 4-2 lead. The Eagles fought back to tie it at 4-4, but Nagal and Thompson stayed composed, closing out the set 6-4 to maintain TSL Hawks’ dominant lead over the HonorFX Eagles.

In the crucial set of the match - men’s singles, Shevchenko began strongly, securing a break in the third game and establishing a commanding 5-1 lead. Although Nagal managed to pull one game back, Shevchenko closed out the set 6-2 and pushed the match into Over Time.

However, Shevchenko had a mammoth task to equalise the overall score from 13-20 in order to take the game into the Shootout and help his team earn bonus points. He started the OT positively, winning the first game, but Nagal survived and helped his team secure a classy 21-14, clinching their first win of the season.

Reflecting on the loss, the Women's World No. 2 Swiatek said, "We didn't win, but personally I felt good on the court. I just played doubles today and I felt like I was playing a bit more solid than yesterday, but still, that wasn't enough to beat Aryna and Andreeva. Hawks played kind of a perfect match."

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