Sumit Nagal becomes the first Indian to win a singles match at the US Open in seven years.

FILE PHOTO: Sumit Nagal of India celebrates winning
the first set against Roger Federer of Switzerland during their
Men's Singles first round match on day one of the 2019 US Open
at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on August 26, 2019.
(Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)

SUMIT NAGAL, who became the first Indian to win a singles match at the US Open in seven years when he beat Bradley Klahn on Tuesday (1), is counting on his underdog status to give him a mental edge against his next opponent, second seed Dominic Thiem.

Somdev Devvarman was the last Indian to get past the first round at Flushing Meadows in 2013 until Nagal beat American Klahn 6-1 6-3 3-6 6-1 to advance in New York.

Nagal, who took a set off Roger Federer during a first-round defeat on his Grand Slam debut at Flushing Meadows last year, said he was excited by the prospect of locking horns with Australian Open finalist Thiem in Thursday’s (3) second round.

“I’ve got nothing to lose,” the 23-year-old told reporters. “Last year I played Roger Federer and this year Thiem. It’s going to be a great match. For sure, I’m not the favourite.”

Full story at Eastern Eye.