Sumit Nagal Falls to Corentin Moutet in a Thrilling Three-Set Battle at the Paris Olympics

NEW DELHI: The Paris Olympics showcased an electrifying tennis duel as Indian player Sumit Nagal faced off against Frenchman Corentin Moutet in the first round, resulting in a dramatic three-set match. Moutet, known for his versatile and unpredictable style, secured a 6-2, 4-6, 7-5 victory over Nagal, in a contest that lasted two hours and 28 minutes on Court 7 at Roland Garros. This win propels Moutet into the second round, where he will face either Australian world number six Alex de Minaur or Germany’s Jan-Lennard Struff.

Nagal, participating in his second Olympic Games after a previous outing in Tokyo, where he lost to Daniil Medvedev, entered the match with high hopes. The Indian player, renowned for his strong baseline game, struggled in the first set as Moutet employed a mix of underarm serves, drop shots, and slices. These unconventional tactics, combined with the fervent support of the home crowd, put Nagal on the defensive from the outset. Moutet’s creative play and ability to keep his opponent guessing were key factors in his early dominance, as he took the first set 6-2.

Despite the challenging start, Nagal showcased resilience and adaptability in the second set. His consistent groundstrokes and strategic play allowed him to break Moutet’s serve and gain momentum. Nagal’s ability to counter Moutet’s diverse shot selection demonstrated his tactical awareness and resilience, qualities that enabled him to level the match by taking the second set 6-4. This set highlighted Nagal’s capacity to raise his game under pressure, a trait that has served him well throughout his career.

The decisive third set epitomized the intensity and unpredictability of the match. Nagal appeared poised to seize control, breaking Moutet’s serve early to take a 2-0 lead. However, Moutet’s resilience and strategic versatility allowed him to claw back into the match. Utilizing a combination of high balls, precise angles, and tactical serves, including the controversial underarm serve, Moutet disrupted Nagal’s rhythm. This strategic play not only neutralized Nagal’s baseline strength but also forced him into making critical errors at key moments.

Paris Olympics 2024: Indian Tennis Star Sumit Nagal Exits Early After First-Round Loss

Post-match, Nagal expressed his disappointment with the outcome, particularly his inability to maintain composure during crucial points. “He is one of the most talented players we have on the ATP tour. It’s always a tough match against him. It has never been a straight-set win for either him or me,” Nagal said, reflecting on the intense rivalry between the two players. “Today was another great match. Obviously, I didn’t like the way I ended the match, getting broken at 15 and then him holding at love. I would say, too many errors towards the end. That’s one of the things that I would really like to change.”

Nagal’s acknowledgment of his opponent’s skill, combined with his own self-assessment, underscores the challenges of facing a player like Moutet, who frequently employs unexpected tactics to disrupt his opponent’s rhythm. Moutet, in turn, defended his use of the underarm serve, a tactic often seen as controversial. “I use [the underarm serve] as a weapon. Whether I take points with an ace or underarm serve, I will do that. It’s another point of view if it’s called ugly,” Moutet remarked, highlighting his pragmatic approach to match strategy.

The match added another chapter to the compelling rivalry between Nagal and Moutet, with three of their last four encounters extending to three sets. Their previous meeting at the Grand Prix Hassan in Marrakech earlier this year saw Nagal triumph, making this loss a significant reversal. For Moutet, the victory not only advances him in the tournament but also underscores his ability to perform under pressure, bolstered by the passionate support of the French crowd.

As Moutet prepares for his next match, Nagal is left to reflect on his performance and identify areas for improvement. The Indian player’s early exit from the Paris Olympics, while disappointing, offers valuable lessons in handling pressure situations and minimizing unforced errors. Despite the setback, Nagal’s journey at the Olympics showcased his potential and determination, traits that will undoubtedly fuel his future endeavors on the ATP tour.

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