Bengaluru, Dec 18 (NationPress) Sumit Nagal triumphed over Dhakshineswar Suresh in a nail-biting golden-point showdown, leading the AOD Eagles to victory against the Aussie Mavericks Kites. The thrilling match took place at the S.M. Krishna Tennis Stadium, showcasing another day of electrifying tennis as the World Tennis League (WTL) continues its debut in India.

The day kicked off with a highly anticipated men’s singles clash between Nagal and Suresh, representing not just a battle of talent but contrasting playing styles. While Nagal displayed his prowess as a counter-puncher, Suresh, towering at 6’5, was known for his powerful serves and aggressive gameplay.

After a grueling set, both players faced off in the tournament’s first tie-break. With the score at 6-6, the WTL’s defining golden point rule came into play. Nagal seized the moment, winning the point, the game, and ultimately the set, securing a comprehensive 25-13 triumph for the Eagles.

Setting the pace for the Eagles, Paula Badosa dominated Marta Kostyuk with a score of 6-1 in the opening match. Badosa, a semi-finalist at the 2025 Australian Open, showcased her impressive skills despite facing injury setbacks earlier in the season.

The Spaniard continued her winning streak by teaming up with Gael Monfils in a riveting mixed doubles match, where their combined talents overwhelmed Suresh and Kostyuk with a 6-3 victory. In the men’s doubles, the duo of Monfils and Nagal triumphed over Suresh and Nick Kyrgios with a score of 6-3.

The WTL, now in its fourth season, has offered Indian audiences a unique opportunity to observe some of the sport's biggest names. Beyond the high-caliber tennis, players have revealed their personalities in a fun and relaxed atmosphere, with Kyrgios showing his team spirit and Badosa and Monfils displaying their entertaining sides.

This year, four franchises are competing in a round-robin format, with the top two teams advancing to the finals.

Each tie consists of four sets: men’s singles, women’s singles, men’s doubles, and women’s/mixed doubles. The winning team is determined by the total number of games won, with each game contributing one point.

Results:

AOD Eagles vs Aussie Mavericks Kites 25-13

Paula Badosa (Eagles) defeated Marta Kostyuk (Kites) 6-1

Paula Badosa-Gael Monfils (Eagles) defeated Dhakshineswar Suresh-Marta Kostyuk (Kites) 6-3

Sumit Nagal-Gael Monfils (Eagles) defeated Nick Kyrgios-Dhakshineswar Suresh (Kites) 6-3

Sumit Nagal (Eagles) defeated Dhakshineswar Suresh (Kites) 7-6