Sumit Nagal, who became the first Indian to win a singles match at the U.S. Open in seven years when he beat Bradley Klahn on Tuesday, is counting on his underdog status to give him a mental edge against his next opponent, second seed Dominic Thiem.

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.”

Nagal believes the shortage of matches for both players due to the COVID-19 pandemic could help level the playing field against the Austrian world number three.

“I don’t think we’ve had enough match practice on hard courts,” added Nagal, who is ranked 124th. “It’s going to be the same for both of us for the match on Thursday.”

With player movements being restricted due to safety protocols put in place by U.S. Open organisers, Nagal’s plans to get a bit of sightseeing done have taken a hit, and he will spend his down time playing video games instead.

“I’m a guy who likes to stay in as much as possible but... you do feel it a bit,” he said. “I wish I could go out and see the buildings, walk on the streets of New York.

“I’ll be on my normal routine... Probably play a game or two on my computer.”

Sumit Nagal, who became the first Indian to win a singles match at the U.S. Open in seven years when he beat Bradley Klahn on Tuesday, is counting on his underdog status to give him a mental edge against his next opponent, second seed Dominic Thiem.

Sumit Nagal, who became the first Indian to win a singles match at the U.S. Open in seven years when he beat Bradley Klahn on Tuesday, is counting on his underdog status to give him a mental edge against his next opponent, second seed Dominic Thiem. 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.” Nagal believes the shortage of matches for both players due to the COVID-19 pandemic could help level the playing field against the Austrian world number three. “I don’t think we’ve had enough match practice on hard courts,” added Nagal, who is ranked 124th. “It’s going to be the same for both of us for the match on Thursday.” With player movements being restricted due to safety protocols put in place by U.S. Open organisers, Nagal’s plans to get a bit of sightseeing done have taken a hit, and he will spend his down time playing video games instead. “I’m a guy who likes to stay in as much as possible but... you do feel it a bit,” he said. “I wish I could go out and see the buildings, walk on the streets of New York. “I’ll be on my normal routine... Probably play a game or two on my computer.”

India's Nagal heads into Thiem challenge with 'nothing to lose'

Rising Indian tennis player Sumit Nagal has been handed a direct entry into the US Open singles main draw after several top stars pulled out of the Grand Slam, scheduled to take place in the Flushing Meadows, from August 31.&nbsp;

Nagal, ranked 127, was the last player to receive direct entry into the field of 128, which was locked into using the latest ATP rankings, as per the tournament website. Hence, Nagal will be the only Indian in the men’s event with Prajnesh Gunneswaran, who is ranked 132, missing out narrowly.

In 2019, Nagal reachedh is maiden Grand Slam, after winning all the qualifying round matches. He went onto face the legendary Swiss megastar Roger Federer in what was a dream encounter for the youngster.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/rafael-nadal-skips-us-open-citing-covid-19-concerns-318320" hreflang="en">Rafael Nadal skips US Open citing COVID-19 concerns</a>

In the much-talked-about encounter, the 22-year-old bagged a set off Federer before the Swiss maestro got into the groove to win the match 6-4, 1-6, 2-6, 4-6.

Three-time US Open champions and current world number one Novak Djokovic headlines the US Open 2020 with the likes of Federer and Rafael Nadal giving the event a miss. While Federer is still recovering from a knee surgery, Nadal cited health concerns surrounding COVID-19.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/madrid-masters-tennis-cancelled-due-to-covid-318300" hreflang="en">Madrid Masters tennis cancelled due to COVID</a>

Former champion Stan Wawrinka, Nick Kyrgios, Fabio Fognini and Gael Monfils are other top tennis star missing from the men’s event.&nbsp;

Professional tennis tours have been on a hiatus since March because of the coronavirus outbreak, with play resuming for women at Palermo Ladies Open this week in Italy. 
&nbsp;

Rising Indian tennis player Sumit Nagal has been handed a direct entry into the US Open singles main draw after several top stars pulled out of the Grand Slam, scheduled to take place in the Flushing Meadows, from August 31.

Rising Indian tennis player Sumit Nagal has been handed a direct entry into the US Open singles main draw after several top stars pulled out of the Grand Slam, scheduled to take place in the Flushing Meadows, from August 31. Nagal, ranked 127, was the last player to receive direct entry into the field of 128, which was locked into using the latest ATP rankings, as per the tournament website. Hence, Nagal will be the only Indian in the men’s event with Prajnesh Gunneswaran, who is ranked 132, missing out narrowly. In 2019, Nagal reachedh is maiden Grand Slam, after winning all the qualifying round matches. He went onto face the legendary Swiss megastar Roger Federer in what was a dream encounter for the youngster. ALSO READ: Rafael Nadal skips US Open citing COVID-19 concerns In the much-talked-about encounter, the 22-year-old bagged a set off Federer before the Swiss maestro got into the groove to win the match 6-4, 1-6, 2-6, 4-6. Three-time US Open champions and current world number one Novak Djokovic headlines the US Open 2020 with the likes of Federer and Rafael Nadal giving the event a miss. While Federer is still recovering from a knee surgery, Nadal cited health concerns surrounding COVID-19. ALSO READ: Madrid Masters tennis cancelled due to COVID Former champion Stan Wawrinka, Nick Kyrgios, Fabio Fognini and Gael Monfils are other top tennis star missing from the men’s event. Professional tennis tours have been on a hiatus since March because of the coronavirus outbreak, with play resuming for women at Palermo Ladies Open this week in Italy.

India's Sumit Nagal gets direct entry to US Open 2020 as several top players pull out

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India's Nagal heads into Thiem challenge with 'nothing to lose'

India's Sumit Nagal gets direct entry to US Open 2020 as several top players pull out