WTL: Sumit Nagal, Paula Badosa help Eagles decimate Kites
Posted on: Dec 18, 2025 22:46 IST | Posted by: Hindustantimes
Sumit Nagal leaned on his vast see to subdue the force biz of Kites’ Dhakshineswar Suresh in the tie-break, keeping the Eagles swell on course for the World Tennis League final, on Thursday.
Nothing much separated Nagal and Dhakshineswar in the first 12 games of the men’s singles, as they held on to their serves easily. Nagal relied on a consistent game — cleverly-placed serves and fine angles on ground shots to keep pace with his younger rival.
On the other hand, Dhakshineswar's primary weapon was his massive serve and he followed it up with some crisp approach shots to keep the veteran under pressure.
In the tie-break, Dhakshineswar quickly worked up a 4-1 lead. But couple of unforced errors by the 25-year-old, helped Nagal to level the scores at 4-4.
The 28-year-old then surged to a 6-4 lead but Dhakshineswar executed two brilliant forehand winners to make the scoreline 6-6, bringing into play the Golden Point for the first time in this edition of the WTL.
Nagal won the match 7-6 after a nearly 40-minute intense tussle.
Dhakshineswar received the serve from the deuce court. He made a good return but Nagal retrieved the ball superbly and then eventually finished it with a neat forehand cross-court volley.
Eagles won the day’s match emphatically 25-13, for an overall score of 43-34 as points are carried over from the previous days’ tie.
However, Paula Badosa too can claim a large chunk of credit for Eagles’ easy win over Kites.
In the women’s singles, Badosa dismantled Marta Kostyuk 6-1 to give the Eagles a lighting start to the day.
Badosa, who looked off-colour on Wednesday, regained her range, and seldom gave her opponent, a World No. 26, a chance in the match.
Her thunderous serve and ground shots were too hot to handle for Kostyuk, as it hardly looked like an exhibition match.
The world No. 25 then teamed up with Gael Monfils to beat Eagles’ Dhakshineshwar and Kostyuk 6-3 in the mixed doubles.
"After a disappointing day yesterday (when she lost her singles match), I was able to come back well. I managed to improve upon my service and return today, and it helped me,” said Badosa after the match.
Later, Eagles continued their dominance in the men’s doubles as Monfils and Nagal outwitted Nick Kyrgios and Dhakshineshwar 6-3.
Global News Perspectives
In today's interconnected world, staying informed about global events is more important than ever. ZisNews provides news coverage from multiple countries, allowing you to compare how different regions report on the same stories. This unique approach helps you gain a broader and more balanced understanding of international affairs. Whether it's politics, business, technology, or cultural trends, ZisNews ensures that you get a well-rounded perspective rather than a one-sided view. Expand your knowledge and see how global narratives unfold from different angles.
Customizable News Feed
At ZisNews, we understand that not every news story interests everyone. That's why we offer a customizable news feed, allowing you to control what you see. By adding keywords, you can filter out unwanted news, blocking articles that contain specific words in their titles or descriptions. This feature enables you to create a personalized experience where you only receive content that aligns with your interests. Register today to take full advantage of this functionality and enjoy a distraction-free news feed.
Like or Comment on News
Stay engaged with the news by interacting with stories that matter to you. Like or dislike articles based on your opinion, and share your thoughts in the comments section. Join discussions, see what others are saying, and be a part of an informed community that values meaningful conversations.
Download the Android App
For a seamless news experience, download the ZisNews Android app. Get instant notifications based on your selected categories and stay updated on breaking news. The app also allows you to block unwanted news, ensuring that you only receive content that aligns with your preferences. Stay connected anytime, anywhere.
Diverse News Categories
With ZisNews, you can explore a wide range of topics, ensuring that you never miss important developments. From Technology and Science to Sports, Politics, and Entertainment, we bring you the latest updates from the world's most trusted sources. Whether you are interested in groundbreaking scientific discoveries, tech innovations, or major sports events, our platform keeps you updated in real-time. Our carefully curated news selection helps you stay ahead, providing accurate and relevant stories tailored to diverse interests.
No comments yet.