Nagal showed incredible composure against Federer, says Bhupathi

While Sumit Nagal lost the match, Mahesh Bhupati feels the youngster showed “incredible” composure to bag the first set against Roger Federer.

Published : Aug 27, 2019 16:08 IST

Sumit Nagal lost to Roger Federer in the first round of the US Open.
Sumit Nagal lost to Roger Federer in the first round of the US Open.
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Sumit Nagal lost to Roger Federer in the first round of the US Open.

Indian tennis great Mahesh Bhupati has hailed 22-year-old Sumit Nagal’s showing against 20-time Grand Slam champion Roger Federer in the first round of the US Open.

While Nagal lost the match, Bhupati feels the youngster showed “incredible” composure to bag the first set.

On Monday, Federer overcame a scare from Indian qualifier Nagal to win 4-6, 6-1, 6-2, 6-4 in a match that lasted two hours and 30 minutes.

It was for the first time since 2003 that Federer had lost a set in his first-round match at the US Open.

READ | Sumit Nagal first Indian to take a set off Federer since Paes

“He showed incredible composure against the greatest player in the world and held his own,” Bhupathi told IANS .

“I think both he and his coaching team should be very proud of the improvements they have made this year,” the Davis Cup non-playing captain added.

Meanwhile, Federer, who was sporting a light stubble, said in his on-court interview: “I thought I played like my beard today, I was rusty.”

World No. 190, Nagal, walked onto Arthur Ashe Stadium for his first Grand Slam main draw match without having ever earned a tour-level victory.

READ | US Open: Federer fends off Nagal in New York test

Before the match, Nagal had said he would try to enjoy the game and not think too much about whom he was playing against.

“I want to play him. It doesn’t matter. It’s not about winning or losing all the time. It’s just the experience. It’s playing someone who has 20 Grand Slams,” Nagal had told ATP Tour website.

“I don’t care what the commentators will be saying about me on TV. I’m going to be enjoying the crowd, playing the best tennis player ever. I’m just some dude from India. I’m fine with that until I make my name. That’s it,” he added.

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