US OPEN 2019: Inspired Nagal takes a set off Roger, but surrenders to the inevitable
In the second match of the night session at the Arthur Ashe Stadium on day one of the US Open 2019, saw Sumit Nagal take a set off the great Roger Federer.
Coming into his very first main draw event in a Grand Slam, the 22-year-old showed no signs of nerves and swung free right from the word go. Sure, he was helped by the erratic play from the Swiss maestro, but the young gun stayed ahead and wrapped up the opening set 6-4.
However, the World No.3 soon picked up his game and managed to break the Indian early in the second set and levelled the match. From there on, the Haryana lad couldn't stay at par with the 20-time Major champion and lost his momentum.
While there were glimpses of some attacking shots by Nagal, Federer's experience and crafty play proved too much for the World No.190. In the end, the No.3 seed nailed the opening round clash in 4 sets 4-6, 6-1, 6-2, 6-4.
Asked on-court after the match what he did to turn things around, Federer said,
"Just try to forget it. Play tough. It was a tough first set for me."
Sporting an unusual unshaven look, Federer said
"I thought I played like my beard today: rusty."
Early on the opening day, India's top-ranked singles player Prajnesh Gunneswaran also went down to World No.5 Danil Medvedev in three easy sets.
Incidentally, Nagal is now the only Indian to take a set off Federer on the ATP tour.
Sumit Nagal first Indian to take a set off Roger Federer
— Mohandas Menon (@mohanstatsman) August 27, 2019
Federer vs Indians
bt Rohan Bopanna 7-6 6-2 - @Halle 2006
bt Somdev Devvarman 6-3 6-3 - @Dubai 2011
bt Somdev Devvarman 6-2 6-1 6-1 #FrenchOpen 2013 (R2)
bt Sumit Nagal 4-6 6-1 6-2 6-4 #USOpen 2019#USOpen2019
