We have got Pak tie in our grasp
The player who took a set off Roger Federer at the US Open says the match gave him recognition in the circuit
NEW DELHI: Winning the first set against Roger Federer at the 2019 US Open first round gave Sumit Nagal much needed confidence and world No 131 is now aiming to enter the top-100 next year and make the cut for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. But before that, the 22-year-old Haryana-born Nagal will be leading India’s charge in the Davis Cup tie against Pakistan in Nur-sultan on November 29-30.
Excerpts from an interaction at the HT House on Wednesday:
India’s chances against Pakistan...
It’s going to be a good tie. I believe we’re going to bring the tie home. We are playing in Nur-sultan, indoor courts. I have played indoor a lot, Saketh Myneni too. Ramkumar Ramanathan loves fast courts. The court favours us.
The recent tiff between AITA and the players...
What we were asking was the right thing. We just didn’t know if it was safe to play in Islamabad. My family was not feeling comfortable. A lot of people said no. Of course some said yes and I respect that. But when the people around you, who take care of you say no, you can’t go against their decision. Also, when I got my first email, I had just twisted my ankle in Hamburg in July. That was another reason. Once you’re injured, you never know long you are going to take to get back on the court. So I said you better look for someone and not wait for me. If I pulled out at the end, it would look bad.
How big is Rohan Bopanna’s loss for the tie?
It is not a loss. He has been playing doubles for many years and has amazing experience. But we are playing Pakistan and Aisam-ul-haq Qureshi is not playing. So looking at the tie, it doesn’t make a big impact. We have got this in our grasp.
What was your reaction when you found out that you’d be facing Federer in the first round of the US Open?
I had just finished my final qualifying round when I got the message from my fitness trainer, ‘Oh! You’re up against Federer.’ I was like ‘amazing’, because that’s what I wanted. Before playing my final (qualifying) round, the draw was already out and this is what I had been saying... if I win this match I would like to play Roger and that’s what happened.
Your feelings when you won the first set? What did he say after the match?
Winning the first set doesn’t mean that you’ve won the match. My focus was still there. (But the) game changed quickly... a few mistakes here and there. When I lost the second set it was still 1-1. I tried my best (but) things didn’t go according to plan but overall it was a good experience. When we shook hands, he said, ‘Great season so far and good luck for the rest.’
What has changed after the Federer match?
After the US Open match I played a few Challengers. Every time guys would walk up to me and say ‘great match’. A lot of people supported me at Buenos Aires where I won. It feels nice when in a country like Argentina where there are hardly any Indians, people are holding your country’s flag. The same thing happened in Banja Luka in Bosnia during a Challenger. People are recognising and helping me.
Two finals, one victory... how would you sum up your season?
The first 2-3 months went without making a schedule, it was all about reacting at the last minute, finding a tournament to give myself a chance. Then the rule changed saying ATP players gets a priority in qualifiers of Challengers. That made things a little easier. At least I had a chance to play in the qualifiers. That’s how I went on the American trip, gave myself a chance to play three tournaments in a row. From there I started winning matches, my confidence came back.
Your target in 2020...
Everyone wants to reach the top 100. That’s when you get to play big tournaments, the Slams, where the money is good. I am really going to push for it. Right now that is the first goal. The Olympic cut is going to be around 75-80 and it will come around June or July, at the end of the clay season. If I stay healthy, keep doing the right things, I can make the cut. I have 200-300 points after July, so it could work in my favour.
How much of physical fitness and skill do you require to reach top100?
Diet matters because if you’re not fit you’re not going to be on the tennis court. Fitness... I have been working out a lot recently, trying to make sure I’m doing two sessions when I am at practice. At a tournament (I try to get) at least one session. Skills... I also need to improve my game. There are still some strokes that need a lot of development. So I am doing a monthlong pre-season this year which I have never done before.
There are three Indians between 100 and 200. Can you guys break into the top-100?
It is possible. Prajnesh (Gunneswaran) already did it, reaching a high of 75, playing almost half-a-year in 100. Ramkumar has already been 113. But unfortunately he didn’t have a great season this year. Every player has a year where you drop a bit. Unfortunately, Yuki (Bhambri) is injured now but we know he’s capable as we all have seen. We have also had Saketh in the 150s and 130s, then Sasikumar Mukund in the 200s. We have had a lot of players from 70 to 200. So we can see a change.
Does India need more tournaments?
Right now there are not enough. China have just one player in 150. But they have more than 70-80 tournaments combining men’s and women’s. In India we have one ATP and this year two Challengers. If there are more tournaments, players will have a chance to do the job at a lesser cost. Also the environment will be familiar. Playing at home is a lot cheaper and makes a huge impact.
Growing up in a middle class family, what are the challenges your parents faced?
I was lucky my parents didn’t have to invest too much. I was very young when Mahesh (Bhupathi) picked and sponsored me. But even with all the help, it was not even half of the budget. My dad gave me whatever he could, made sure it was enough for my training. He never complained. Luckily, I also got picked for the Virat Kohli Foundation in 2017 and also got help from Indian Oil where I am an employee.
What do you do in your off time?
I watch Netflix and Japanese anime too. I play video games like Pubg, League of Legends, any new game that come up.