2020 US Open: Sumit Nagal becomes first Indian to win single matches at grand slam in seven years

Indian Sumit Nagal has defeated USA’s Bradley Klahn 6-1, 6-3, 3-6, 6-1, to reach the second round of the 2020 US Open.

Nagal, world No. 124, after his victory on Tuesday September 1, 2020, became the first Indian to win a Grand Slam main draw since Somdev Devvarman’s 2013 US Open.

Last year, the Indian made his Grand Slam debut in which he entered the main draw as a qualifier.

He took on Roger Federer, a 20-time Grand Slam champion, in the first round at Flushing Meadows. He made headlines as he won the first set against the veteran player.

In the Tuesday’s battle against Klahn, Nagal, 23, started off well on court 12, taking the first set 6-1 as he converted three break points and garnered a win percentage of 80 in first serves.

Klahn, despite his resistance shown in the second set, had 15 unforced errors as against one for Nagal. Nagal took the second set 6-3 as he held his service with ease.

In the third set, when Nagal seemed to have lost his range, Klahn took a 5-3 lead by converting his first breakpoint of the match, a lead he got as a result of Nagal’s unforced error, and a medical timeout he took that brought back his composure.

During the fourth set, Nagal did not allow himself to be held back by the third set loss. He responded very strongly as he held his service and broke Klahn thrice, taking the fourth set 6-1 which gave him a win to the round two.

Now India No. 1, Nagal will face the winner between Dominic Thiem and Jaume Muna in the second round.