Lucky Seven

New York, September 2

Sumit Nagal became the first Indian tennis player to win a singles round at a Grand Slam in seven years when he downed American Bradley Klahn in the US Open first round, setting up a contest against world No. 3 Dominic Thiem. Returning to the Flushing Meadows where he took a set off Roger Federer last year, the Indian got past the local rival 6-1 6-3 3-6 6-1.

2013

The last time an Indian won a main draw match at a Major. Somdev Devvarman had reached the second round at the US Open

Somdev Devvarman was the last Indian to win a main draw match at a Major, at the US Open in 2013.

“I qualified for a junior Slam in 2013 here and then the men’s and now to win my first round here means a lot. I enjoy playing here and it has worked out in my favour a few times,” Nagal said.

“It was not easy to walk inside the court knowing this match is more in your favour. I was definitely nervous and especially playing for my first Slam win but I did the things I was supposed to and kept my composure.”

Need for system

Devvarman, who retired in January 2017, had reached the second rounds of Australian Open, French Open and US Open in 2013 apart from playing a second round at the Wimbledon in 2011.

After Devvarman, Indian tennis saw the rise of Yuki Bhambri, Ramkumar Ramanathan and Prajnesh Gunneswaran but none of them could win a main draw round. Ramkumar did not even qualify for a main draw in many attempts. Saketh Myneni lost in the first round of the US Open in 2016.

Nagal said Indian tennis should have done better and partly blamed it on the not-so-helpful “system” as well. “In one way, yes (happy for Major win), but in another way, we could do so much better. We have so many people playing this sport, we have great talent but no system, which makes me feel sad,” the 23-year-old said.

Ready for Thiem

Up next for him will be Austria’s top player Thiem, who advanced when his Spanish rival Jaume Munar retired before the start of the third set. Thiem was leading 7-6(6) 6-3 when Munar found it difficult to continue as he injured his knee during the second set.

“I am ready and excited to play him. It’s going to be fun and I will see where I stand in terms of my tennis level,” Nagal said. — PTI

SERENA-Focus

Six-time champion Serena Williams began her quest for a record-equalling 24th Grand Slam title with a 7-5 6-3 victory over fellow American Kristie Ahn. “I was really happy with how I fought for every point. I just needed to get my Serena-focus back,” Williams said. One of the most popular headliners at Flushing Meadows every year, she faced empty stands inside Arthur Ashe Stadium. “The hardest is making sure you stay pumped,” Williams said, reflecting on the lack of fans. “For me it was clearly easy because I’m always overly passionate. I love being passionate. It’s what I’m best at.”

Murray ready for long haul

Andy Murray’s mental toughness has never been in doubt but his victory over Yoshihito Nishioka in the first round delivered the surest sign yet the Scot is also physically capable of going the distance at a Major once more. The 33-year-old, who has twice had hip surgery, battled back from two sets down to win 4-6 4-6 7-6(5) 7-6(4) 6-4 in his first singles appearance at a Slam since the 2019 Australian Open. “At the beginning, I was so apprehensive of playing a long match… but when I went two sets down I had to put the after-burners on,” Murray said.

Other results

Men’s singles

Daniil Medvedev bt Federico Delbonis 6-1 6-2 6-4; Matteo Berrettini bt Go Soeda 7-6(5) 6-1 6-4; Roberto Bautista Agut bt Tennys Sandgren 6-4 6-4 7-6(3); Milos Raonic bt Leonardo Mayer 6-3 6-2 6-3; Andrey Rublev bt Jeremy Chardy 6-4 6-4 6-3; Karen Khachanov bt Jannik Sinner 3-6 6-7(7) 6-2 6-0 7-6(4)

Women’s singles

Garbine Muguruza bt Nao Hibino 6-4 6-4; Sloane Stephens bt Mihaela Buzarnescu 6-3 6-3; Aryna Sabalenka bt Oceane Dodin 7-6(1) 6-4; Victoria Azarenka bt Barbara Haas 6-1 6-2; Madison Keys bt Timea Babos 6-1 6-1; Sofia Kenin bt Yanina Wickmayer 6-2 6-2; Johanna Konta bt Heather Watson 7-6(7) 6-1; Elise Mertens bt Laura Siegemund 6-2 6-2; Amanda Anisimova bt Viktoriya Tomova 7-5 7-5