Following a commanding performance that put India firmly in control of their Davis Cup tie against Switzerland, Sumit Nagal credited the day’s stunning debut victory by Dakshineshwar Suresh for easing the pressure and allowing him to play at his highest level.
India took a commanding 2-0 lead after Nagal defeated Swiss No. 2 Marc-Andrea Hüsler, shortly after Suresh had secured the opening point.
Speaking post-match, Nagal immediately shifted the focus to his teammate’s achievement.
“First of all, I would like to congratulate Dakshin for his first match,” Nagal began. “It’s a hell of a match to play your opening match against a player who is in form [and] who’s playing very well. That made it a little bit easier for me on the court, a little bit more relaxed.”
With the burden of the opening rubber lifted, Nagal was able to execute his own game plan flawlessly.
“I’m happy throughout the match I could play the tennis I wanted to play,” he said. “The level was very high from my side, and I’m happy that we could get India [the] 2-0 lead.”
Nagal noted that this success was not an overnight occurrence but the result of a long-term developmental effort within Indian tennis.
“We have worked very hard to be here [for the] last 10-15 years,” he reflected. “It’s been a great process digging up players after players, and I’m happy that we are finding that bit of success now.”
When asked about his preparation for Hüsler, whom Nagal had played years ago, the Indian No. 1 said his focus was internal rather than opponent-specific.
“I kind of know how he plays. I’m a little bit comfortable playing him, unless he comes out with incredible shots, which sometimes he can,” Nagal explained. “But to be honest, I didn’t really plan things differently. I was more focused on myself, on the team environment.”
The strategy, he revealed, was based on attrition and relentless pressure.
“The plan was to go out there, fight every point, [and] make, especially on his serve, make those games as long as possible,” Nagal said. “And it turned out to be in my favor.”