Indian No.2 Sumit Nagal believes he has a game similar to Dominic Thiem
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World No.3, Dominic Thiem’s rise on the ATP tour over the past few years has been terrific and a joy to watch for his fans and also for fans of the sport. The Austrian tennis star won his maiden Grand Slam at the US Open 2020.
His victory at the Major must have seemed an overnight success however, what actually has gone behind it are tiny and daily efforts in training and improving his game which have compounded in the long run for the Austrian; leading him to achieve his breakthrough.
Thiem is the stand-out player from the next-gen lot of players and many cite him as a role model for his relentless dedication. Latest among them is India’s No. 2 ranked player on the ATP tour, Sumit Nagal.
Nagal took on Thiem in the second round of the US Open and although he succumbed to the eventual champion in straight sets; Nagal was still able to hold his ground against the World No.3 in several games before the Austrian’s superior court coverage, fitness and shot-making took him through.
‘He is one of the players I would like to copy’ – Sumit Nagal
Sumit Nagal, who has famously claimed a set against the Swiss maestro, Roger Federer; recently revealed that he would like to emulate the playing style of someone like Thiem. The Indian also further revealed that his match against the Austrian in the US Open last year was a learning experience.
“He is one of the players I would like to copy,” Nagal said. “Though Dominic Thiem has a one-handed backhand and I don’t, we play a similar (physical) type of game. We move well around the court. I would love to play with the kind of intensity he does, how he remains on top of the point and play at that high level for so long. The match against Dominic Thiem was a great learning experience.”
Ranked No. 137 in the world, Sumit has received a wild card entry into the main draw of the Australian Open, which kicks off in Melbourne on 8 February.
Also Read: He brings his all to the game: Sumit Nagal opens up about his admiration for Rafael Nadal
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Nihar Khopkar
(191 Articles Published)