Sumit Nagal is going to have a "very solid career", said Swiss icon Roger Federer after the Indian managed to take a set off him in a US Open first-round clash, relying on a game that is "really consistent".
Nagal lost 6-4 1-6 2-6 4-6 in a match that lasted two hours and 50 minutes on Monday night to bow out after making his maiden Grand Slam main draw.
The debut, at least in the opening set, was impressive as he stretched a "rusty" Federer, a five-time champion here with a career tally of 20 Slams.
The 24-year-old Nagal troubled Federer quite a bit during the match and the Swiss legend's problems were also compounded by his own unforced errors.
Asked what he thought was the standout feature of Nagal, Federer said, "I guess maybe how he handled the moment."
Dissecting the game of his newest opponent, the 38-year-old Federer said the India's game seems like the one of a clay-court specialist.
Nagal had made the main draw after three draining qualifying round matches.
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