When Sumit Nagal walked out on the court at the Arthur Ashe Stadium, he would have been forgiven for being overwhelmed and nervous - he was't facing any player, but arguably the greatest in tennis history - Roger Federer.
AFP
It was a moment to cherish for Nagal, and it took him a while to realise that it was no dream. His glaring eyes fixated on the colossal luminary and class, on the opposite side of the court - Roger Federer. He was playing his idol. Dare you dream!
AFP
When action began, there was end to end stuff in early periods. It looked like the greatness of Federer was rubbing on the young Indian, as he looked like Rafael Nadal in disguise, only that he was Sumit Nagal - taking the game to Federer and making him run around the court.
AFP
A gigantic effort from the Indian as he took the first set 6-4. Those in Arthur Ashe couldn't believe their eyes, but Nagal had earned gleaming admirers in just one set, who applauded his game. A set win against Roger Federer, an act to be celebrated religiously.?
After the first set, it was all class from Roger Federer as he clawed back in only fashion he knows - formidable backhands, using the dimensions of the court and getting big. He took the next three sets, winning the match 4-6, 6-1, 6-2, 6-4.?
AFP
It was no lop-sided affair, ask Federer. He was made to earn it, every single point of it. Sumit Nagal played the game of his life, only that he had come up against the greatest of all time, and only an intervention from god himself would have changed the outcome.
But boy, what a moment for the young Indian lad - he can tell the world he stepped out on the court with the G.O.A.T and gave him a scare. He won't forget the moment, it doesn't come to life regularly, he should count himself lucky.
An effort worth Federer's time, and Sumit Nagal is a star.