Nagal romps to biggest win, clinches the Bengaluru Open

A victorious Sumil Nagal with his trophy on Saturday.

Bengaluru, November 25: “I don’t have any words,” was Sumit Nagal’s response on winning his first ATP Challenger title. Indeed one’s first title always renders you speechless and it holds a very special place. Your first win is not the end but the beginning of the journey. Moreover to win your first title at home makes it even more special. And Haryana lad Nagal finally lifted his first ATP Challenger trophy, clinching the Bengaluru Open at the Karnataka State Lawn Tennis Association on Saturday (November 25).

At a loss of words to describe his maiden win, an elated Nagal said, “It is the biggest win of my career. Prior to this my best was a Future tennis win. The feeling has still not sunk in. It’s a bit of a shock. The crowd was amazing. It’s the biggest tournament and match that I’ve played here and there support was a big boost.”

Nagal who started on the back foot, clawed back to down Britain’s Jay Clarke 6-3, 3-6, 6-2. The Indian backed by a boisterous crowd, fought back to deny 19-year-old Clarke his maiden title.

Despite stunning top seed Blaz Kavcic in the quarters and third seeded Yuki Bhambri in the semis, Nagal started as the lesser dominant finalist. But playing an aggressive game from the onset, the Indian clawed back after being two games down in the first set to make it 3-3. With a strong forehand, the 20 year old proved too much for Clarke as he broke through to take the set 6-3.

But Clarke recovered quickly to win the next set and level the final. A determined Clarke, backed by a few faithful followers in the stands, took the lead at 3-2 and from thereon kept Nagal at bay to take the set 3-6.

Having taken the match to the decider, Nagal fought back with rejuvenated vigour as he grabbed the lead at 3-1. The aggression of the Indian was visible as as he turned the game in the fourth game with a combination of fierce shots, which Clarke failed to return. Though the Indian lost six game points in the final set, Nagal held on to notch up his biggest win on the senior circuit, wrapping up the final set 6-2.

Nagal who had been confident throughout the week, was nervous heading into the final. “It was an up and down match. There were moments where I played smart tennis and moments where I didn’t. Heading into the match I knew I had to play aggressive. He’s a great player and very consistent. I had to attack from the onset.

“It was my first ATP Challenger final. There was a lot of pressure. I have to work on how to deal with pressure. I got a little defensive in the match. But I was smart enough to change it in a few games. I was pretty nervous going into the match. A few hours before the match I told my trainer my hands are sweaty and I don’t know what to do. He told me to take it point and by point and that’s what I did. This is a big breakthrough and I will take confidence from this win and will look to win more Challenger tournaments,” signed off the champion.