India’s tennis star Sumit Nagal faced a tough challenge in the first round of the US Open, ultimately succumbing to a straight-sets defeat at the hands of Tallon Griekspoor from the Netherlands. Nagal, who has shown promise in past tournaments, struggled to find his form in this match, leading to a disappointing exit from the final Grand Slam of the year.
Difficult start for Sumit Nagal
Sumit Nagal, known for his fighting spirit, had difficulty getting into the rhythm of the match. His first serve let him down, as he won only 61 percent of those points, compared to Griekspoor’s impressive 87 percent.
The Dutchman’s strong service game and ability to capitalize on Nagal’s mistakes were evident from the outset. The match began on a challenging note for the Indian, with Griekspoor quickly taking control and winning the first set 6-1.
Improvement in Third Set
As the match progressed, Sumit Nagal showed flashes of his potential, particularly in the third set. However, despite a valiant effort, including managing to break Griekspoor’s serve twice during the match, Nagal was unable to turn the tide.
The third set was more competitive, with Nagal pushing the set into a tiebreak. Unfortunately, Griekspoor’s consistency and strategic play saw him edge out Nagal 7-6(8) in the tiebreak, sealing the match in his favour after two hours and 20 minutes on the court.
Chance for Redemption in Doubles for Sumit Nagal
Despite his early exit in the singles competition, Sumit Nagal’s US Open campaign is not over yet. He is set to compete in the men’s doubles event, where he will hope to make a deeper run alongside his partner. India’s representation in the men’s doubles is strong this year, with Rohan Bopanna, Yuki Bhambri, N Sriram Balaji, and Nagal himself teaming up with different partners to keep Indian hopes alive in the tournament.
Looking Forward
Nagal’s defeat in the first round is undoubtedly a setback, but it also serves as a learning experience as he continues to develop his game. The 27-year-old from Jhajjar will now shift his focus to the doubles competition, where he will aim to leave a mark at this prestigious Grand Slam.
