Balbir Singh , USA
Chandigarh, August 24, 2019 - Virtually on the brink of defeat after losing the first set and trailing 1-4 in the second set Sumit Nagal of India, ranked 190th staged a remarkable rally to overcame Joao Menezes of Brazil, ranked 210, in three setter third and final qualifying round in men's singles of the US Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, Flushing Meadows, New York today.
Sumit, who hails from Jhajjar in Haryana, recorded a well-deserved 5-7, 6-4, 6-3 verdict in two hours and 27 minutes. Sumit Nagal won total 108 points in comparision to 97 by his opponent. Menezes fired nine aces and committed five double faults. Sumit was without any ace but committed four double faults. He won five out of 11 break points while his rival won three break points out of six.
The Indian player won 40 points out of 61 on his first service and 24 out of 38 points on second service. His first service was 62 per cent in. Menezes, who had earlier this season beaten Sumit Nagal in semi-final of Samarkhan Challenger in three setter,won 44 out of 62 points on his first service and 18 out of 44 on his second service. The Brazilian player kept 58 per cent of his first service in.
Sumit Nagal committed four unforced errors while his opponent committed five unforced errors.
Tied 5-all in the first set, 11th and 12 games were fiercely fought. Menezes struggled in the 11th game on his service. Sumit Nagal failed to capitalise on four break chances in this game. Menezes was trailing 15-40. He fought back and after deuce was called four times, Menezes was lucky to survive and retained his service to lead 6-5.
Now it was the turn of Sumit Nagal to work hard. He was leading 40-14 but his rival raised his game and make it 40-40. Another deuce was called before Menezes broke his rival to win the set at 7-5. In this set, Menezes won 40 points and Nagal 38. Menezes also fired three aces.
Menezes kept his pressure in the second set. After breaking Sumit Nagal in the second game, Menezes took a good lead of 3-0 after holding his service. A determined Sumit Nagal was willing to bow. He reorganised his game and put his heart out. Mounting relentless pressure, Sumit slowly and steadily bounced back into the game. He broke his rival in the seventh and ninth games to clinch the set at 6-4.
Sumit Nagal won 78 points in two sets while Menezes claimed 75 points.
Now in the third and deciding set, Sumit Nagal was dominating. After breaking Menezes in the first and third games, Nagal raced to 4-0 lead. Menezes tried his best to be back into the game. After breaking Nagal in the sixth game and holding his serve in the seventh game, Menezes narrowed the margin to 3-4. Nagal held his service in the eighth game to lead 5-3. Menenzes served in the ninth game and trailing 0-3 before he made it 30-30. However, Nagal broke his rival after leading 40-30 and clinched the set at 6-3 and the match.
Prajnesh Gunneswaran, raned 89th in singles, got direct entry into the main draw and is pitted against fifth ranked Daniil Medvedev of Russia in the first round.
balbirsingh227@gmail.com