WHAT HAPPENED: For one, concerning set, it almost seemed like Roger Federer was playing his nemesis Rafael Nadal – not Sumit Nagal, a 22-year-old Indian qualifier who had never won a pro-level match in his career.
Federer played a shaky first set, shanking forehands and sending balls soaring deep beyond the baseline on the way to 19 unforced errors. Nagal, ranked a career-high No. 190 after a year of grinding across the globe on the Challenger circuit, stunned the crowd and Federer by snatching the opener.
The Swiss all-time leader in majors could not find his rhythm or range, playing a set that was eerily reminiscent of his exit at last year’s US Open, a wilting loss in humid conditions to John Millman.
But in the second set, Federer suddenly found his form and restored order in Arthur Ashe Stadium. The five-time US Open champion settled himself and the crowd with more typical Federer play: knifed short backhands, touch volleys and pummeled forehands. The Swiss put the first set out of mind and began controlling the court and dictating play, rushing through points and bringing Nagal back down to earth.
Federer won 4-6, 6-1, 6-2, 6-4, but was tested even at the end of the fourth set, when he had to save four break points while serving for the match.
Asked on-court after the match what he did to turn things around, Federer said, "Just try to forget it. Play tough. It was a tough first set for me."
Sporting an unusual unshaven look, Federer said "I thought I played like my beard today: rusty."
Federer reflected on is opponent after the match, noting how Nagal handled the occasion.
"[It's] never easy to come out and play your best. Even though it's kind of what you live for, you dream about, playing on the big stage. So I think he did that very well.
"I think his game is based on being really consistent," added Federer. "He moves well, moves the ball around well. Sort of very much a clay-courter. That's also the surface he's played basically the entire year almost.
"I think he knows what he can bring. That's why I think he's going to have a very solid career. But, 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."
WHAT IT MEANS: Federer fans might have anticipated a letdown in the Swiss's play, on the heels of a bitterly disappointing five-hour, five-set loss to Novak Djokovic in the Wimbledon final after Federer failed to convert on two match points. The first set on opening night served notice that Federer—who is in Djokovic’s half of the draw—will have to step up his game as he moves on and faces stiffer challengers than a newcomer more accustomed to the Challenger circuit than the night session at the US Open.
MATCH POINT: Coming into the match, Federer had amassed 1223 career wins, compared to zero for Nagal. Monday night marked the young Indian’s first appearance not just in a major, but anywhere on the main tour.
