US Open: Sumit Nagal loses to Tallon Griekspoor in first round

Sumit Nagal lost in the first round of the US Open Grand Slam after suffering a straight-set defeat against the Netherlands' Tallon Griekspoor in the opening round in New York on Monday night.

Nagal suffered a 1-6, 3-6, 6-7 (8) defeat against Griekspoor. He will now look to play in the men's doubles discipline.

The 27-year-old Indian player won only 61 per cent of his first serve points compared to 87 per cent by Griekspoor. Nagal broke his rival twice while the Dutchman converted six of his 11 break chances in the two-hour and 20-minute contest.

Nagal struggled to find his rhythm as he kept making unforced errors, making it easy for the Dutchman to find winners.

Currently ranked 73rd, Nagal started the ongoing season with a bang when he became the first Indian player since Ramesh Krishnan to beat a seeded player at the Grand Slam in the Australian Open in January.

Nagal had defeated the 31st-seeded Alexander Bublik 6-4, 6-2, 7-6 [7-5] at the Melbourne Park.

He, however, made a first-round exit at the French Open and Wimbledon respectively. 

In the men's doubles at the US Open, Nagal will pair up with Dusan Lajovic.

Apart from Nagal, India will have Rohan Bopanna, Yuki Bhambri and N Sriram Balaji playing with different partners.