Indian tennis players, Sumit Nagal and Prajnesh Gunneswaran have made their Grand Slam entry in the US Open. But, both the Indians lost and exited from the first round of the tournament, although they definitely won the hearts of the viewers.
In the first match, Sumit Nagal became the first Indian to win a set against Roger Federer but lost the match 6-4, 1-6, 2-6 and 4-6 at the iconic Arthur Ashe Stadium, New York.
The first set was a close fight between the two, going back and forth and tying at 4 – 4. Nagal won two games continuously by hitting few brilliant back arm and forehand shots. Finally, he got the first set under his name by 6-4.
Well, that escalated quickly! 😲
World No. 190 🇮🇳 @nagalsumit leads Roger Federer 6-4. | #USOpen pic.twitter.com/mlWPz5zmu6
— ATP Tour (@ATP_Tour) August 27, 2019
From the second set, the Swiss maestro came blazing all out and was in no mood to stop. He won points just by aces and before Nagal had a chance to get back into the game, Federer won two sets which put pressure on the 22 year-old player.
Nagal who is currently world no.190 in the ATP rankings, gave a competition to Federer in the fourth set by levelling up at 2-2. But the 38 year-old bounced back with an aggressive style of tennis and snatched the game away in a swift.
Also, Nagal is the youngest Indian to play his maiden match against his idol Roger Federer, making sure that people around the world would sit up and notice his efforts.
Stunning movement by the 22-year-old! 🏃♂️@nagalsumit is chasing down everything…#USOpen pic.twitter.com/P3mMHibt0E
— US Open Tennis (@usopen) August 27, 2019
Earlier in the day, Prajnesh Gunneswaran was knocked out from the first round of the US Open by world number five Daniil Medvedev. He lost in straight sets, 4-6, 1-6 and 2-6 at the Louis Armstrong Stadium in New York.
Dominant from @DaniilMedwed. 🔥
The Cincinnati champ cruises past Prajnesh Gunneswaran 6-4, 6-1, 6-2 on Louis Armstrong Stadium. #USOpen pic.twitter.com/UpemQnTCBM
— ATP Tour (@ATP_Tour) August 26, 2019
Although, the world number 88 lost the match, he impressed the crowd with his powerful forehand. His shots, serves and moving around the court was too good, putting constant pressure on his opponent.
Prajnesh scored 35 unforced errors, which did not let him get back in the game. Even after suffering multiple career threatening injuries, he put his whole hearted effort into this match. Sadly, the result was not on his side.
🎥 Watch 👀 @PrajneshGP live in action now against world #5 @DaniilMedwed on Star Sports Select 1 and Select 1 HD and Hotstar. 🎾
👉🏻 Let’s cheer for him! 😎🙌🏻@KirenRijiju @RijijuOffice @DGSAI @IndiaSports @usopen #USOpen #KheloIndia 🇮🇳 https://t.co/hgPKAVwr0c— SAIMedia (@Media_SAI) August 26, 2019
Though, Nagal and Prajnesh have lost their respective matches, yet they fulfilled dreams of millions by rewriting history and made India proud.
Congratulations @nagalsumit.👏🏻🎾
You played one of the greatest players ever @rogerfederer & made him work hard for his win.
You can be proud of your achievement. New #SportsStar is born!🌟@Maheshbhupathi @Leander @MirzaSania @KirenRijiju @RijijuOffice @DGSAI #Tennis #USOpen pic.twitter.com/gekg5XzZvU
— SAIMedia (@Media_SAI) August 27, 2019
Good luck to the rising Indian tennis players for the future Grand Slams!
