Updated: September 2, 2020 9:50:41 am
Sumit Nagal had made her Grand Slam debut at the same tournament a year ago. (Source file)
When Sumit Nagal leaned over her racket, you could see the mixture of joy and disbelief on her face. He tried to keep his composure, but it was difficult. And then, amid the thrill of victory, he seemed to forget a rule.
At this unusual US Open during the time of the pandemic, you are no longer allowed to shake hands with the referee, salute, or hit the referee’s shoe with your racket. The chair umpire obediently extended his foot, Nagal, still incredulous, did not notice and raised his racket towards her.
My first Slam win. It was definitely a special moment and a match that I will not forget. Thank you all for the wishes❤️
The next game on Thursday will be fun 🙃
A special thanks to my team – @vkfofficial @imVkohli @SOLINCOsports @IndianOilcl @lottosport pic.twitter.com/u6CqeJa34n
– Sumit Nagal (@nagalsumit) September 2, 2020
The first time he played in the main draw of a Grand Slam was last year at the US Open. Despite the loss to Roger Federer, he had improved his reputation on the circuit as a fighter.
On Monday, in his second first round in the Major, much more awaited him. Barring a failure in the third set, the 23-year-old played a consistent style of tennis to clinch a 6-1, 6-3, 3-6, 6-1 victory against American Bradley Klahn, a former world player. . 63.
Going to Round 2 💪#United States Open pic.twitter.com/7Ku2C3Y7BM
– Sumit Nagal (@nagalsumit) September 1, 2020
Just like he did against Federer last year, Nagal, the no. 124, started the match by winning the first set. Although the Indian remained firm in his serve and precise in his plays, Klahn’s game was riddled with errors. In the first set, Nagal made only one unforced error and Klahn had 15; finally, the count would be 17 to 40.
But it wasn’t just about the wayward American shooting. Nagal’s game had been steady and consistent. His serve was impressive, hitting a good 79 percent of first serves. And then he stayed strong in his service as well. In the second set, Klahn won just three points on Nagal’s serve, and in total he won 23 of 87 points on Indian’s serve.
Nagal was also the fitter of the two, covering 721 feet more during the game than Klahn. The American, who is currently ranked 129th, also needed a medical time out for a back problem after the second set. Arguably, that gave him some time to recover, both physically and mentally, as he began to keep more balls in play and move his opponent.
Sumit Nagal was literally on the entire court today 🏃♂️@nagalsumit me #United States Open pic.twitter.com/M3D3f2aHIn
– US Tennis Open (@Usopen) September 1, 2020
In the eighth game of the third set, Klahn earned a break point opportunity with Nagal’s serve for the first time in the match and converted it before winning the set.
In the fourth, Nagal stood his ground, playing percentage shots often before using his powerful forehand to create opportunities. And then there were some flashes of brilliance.
Leading 2-0, 30-15 in the fourth set, he played a strong forehand from the inside out and got closer to the net. Klahn tried to make a cross pass, but Nagal took a quick half step to his left and stretched out for a graceful low-volley-winning backhand.
Despite all his composure during the match, the only time Nagal showed any nerves was when he was on match points, on his own serve.
Sumit Nagal took six match points to seal the deal. (Screenshot)
He was up 40-0, on his third match point, but then he threw a forehand into the stands. At 40-30, he threw another forehand into the stands and soon faced a break point after a hit from the court went straight to the net.
But he bounced back, played a forehand, and after Klahn’s 40th unforced error, reached a sixth match point.
Nagal looked up at the sky as he walked towards the baseline, preparing for his duty routine. A few shots later, a quick forehand down the line made him the first Indian since Somdev Devvarman at the 2013 US Open to win a main draw match at a Grand Slam.
His career in the major league main draw began at Arthur Ashe Stadium last year, against Federer. And now that he has won his tie on court 12, he has secured another trip to center court at the US Open, where world number 3 Dominic Thiem awaits him in the second round.
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