Sumit Nagal becomes first Indian in 7 years to win at US Open

Sumit Nagal became the first Indian to win a singles match at the US Open in seven years when he beat Bradley Klahn yesterday and set up a clash against second seed Dominic Thiem in the next round.

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 second round. Photo courtesy: Twitter/@nagalsumit

"My first Slam win. It was definitely a special moment and a match I will not forget. Thank you everyone for the wishes," Nagal tweeted after the match.

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 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.”