India's Sumit Nagal will feature in the main draw of ASB Classic in Auckland, the warm-up event ahead of season's first Grand Slam -- the Australian Open, after he secured his qualification on Sunday.
The top-ranked Indian singles player defeated the higher-ranked Frenchman Adrian Mannarino in straight sets in the final qualifying round.
The 26-year-old Nagal, who is ranked 98th in the ATP rankings, overcame the challenge from world number 66, winning 7-6(5), 6-3.
The victory against Mannarino, who was ranked in the top-20 during the same period last year, should boost Nagal's confidence.
Nagal, who has opted not to participate in India's forthcoming Davis Cup match against Togo in Delhi, has been working to overcome his recent poor performances, having experienced several first-round exits before maintaining his position in the top-100 as the 2024 season concluded.
The main draw tournament will serve as valuable preparation for Nagal before the Australian Open, which begins January 12 in Melbourne.
