The improbable did not happen but India's Sumit Nagal exited the US Open fighting, stretching and even earning the respect of his opponent, the incomparable Roger Federer.
In another first-round match featuring an Indian, Prajnesh Gunneswaran got a taste of high-level tennis, losing to world number five Daniil Medvedev in straight sets at the Flushing Meadows on Monday night. With their losses, India's singles challenge drew to a close on the opening day itself.
After taking a set off Federer, Nagal lost 6-4 1-6 2-6 4-6 in a match that lasted two hours and 50 minutes here on Monday night to bow out after making his maiden Grand Slam main draw.
"I think he knows what he can bring. That's why I think he's going to have a very solid career," said Federer after the match.
The debut, at least in the opening set, was impressive as he stretched the "rusty" Federer, a five-time champion here with a career tally of 20 Slams.
But the gulf between Prajnesh and his fancied Russian opponent, who recently vanquished multiple Grand Slam winner Novak Djokovic, was wide and apparent as he lost 4-6 1-6 26.
Nagal was more competitive. The 24-year-old troubled Federer quite a bit during the much-anticipated match and the Swiss legend's problems were also compounded by his own unforced errors.
One of the game's all-time greatest players, Federer had a word of praise for his opponent from India.
"...of course it's not the game that comes out with the biggest surprises. It's really consistent. I think he did it very well tonight," Federer said after the match.
Asked what he thought was the standout feature of Nagal, Swiss legend Federer said, "I guess maybe how he handled the moment."
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