Sumit Nagal on Tuesday stormed into the second round of the ongoing US Open becoming the first Indian in to win a Grand Slam singles’ match in seven years. Nagal defeated Bradley Klahn of the United States 6-1, 6-3, 3-6, 6-1 in the men’s singles first round at the US Open to progress further into the tournament.
In 2013, Somdev Devvarman reached the second round of the Australian Open, French Open, and US Open.
This is Sumit Nagal’s second successive US Open main draw appearance. Nagal had lost to 20-time Grand Slam champion Roger Federer in the first round last year but gave the legend a scare by taking the first set before going down 4-6, 6-1, 6-2, 6-4 at the Arthur Ashe Stadium.
On Tuesday, Nagal came out all guns blazing in the first two sets of the opening round match against Klahn as he registered comprehensive wins of 6-1, 6-3. The world No. 124 converted three break points, with a win percentage of 80 in first serves, to take the first set 6-1. Klahn had 15 unforced errors compared to Nagal’s one. Nagal then held his serve with ease to take the second set 6-3.
Aided by Nagal’s unforced errors, Klahn converted his first breakpoint of the match to take a 5-3 lead in the third set before sealing it 6-3.
Despite losing the set, Nagal fought back strongly. He held his serve and broke Klahn thrice to take the fourth set 6-1 and seal his spot in the next round.
The 23-year-old will face winner Dominic Thiem next.