I am happy and enjoying my training sessions with Javier Ferrer, says Sumit Nagal

02/12/2018

Sumit Nagal has confirmed that he is happy and enjoying his training sessions with his new coach Javier Ferrer in Spain. The 20-year-old is eager to break into the world’s top 150 ranked players this year which would allow him to participate in ATP 250 and 500 series tournaments.

Nagal defeated Yuki Bhambri and Jay Clarke in consecutive games to claim his first ATP Challenger Tour singles title in Bengaluru last year which allowed him to break into the world’s top 300 ranked players. The 20-year-old joined Javier Ferrer's training academy in Spain after losing to Italy’s Alessandro Giannessi in the qualifying round of the 2018 Australian Open with the hope of improving his game at the highest level.

“Winning a tournament gives you confidence. Every time you win, it makes you believe more and trusts things that you are working on. Since Bengaluru, I have been playing better. Things are going well and I have been training hard. I’m happy with my training and performances. I’m looking forward to doing well in the Chennai Open (beginning on Monday). I am enjoying the sessions with my new coach Javier Ferrer,” Nagal told The Hindu.

Nagal played his first Grand Slam this year when he appeared in the qualifying round of the Australian Open but lost 6-7,6-3,3-6 to experienced Italian Giannessi.

“It was my first Slam as a professional. The match was both good and bad. I think I deserved to win. But Giannessi had more experience and found a way to win,” the 20-year-old said.

After training him for over a month his new coach Javier Ferrer said, “He is a talented player, but needs to improve his backhand”

The Indian, who is ranked 220 in the world right now is enjoying his training sessions under Javier Ferrer and hopes of breaking into the top 150 ranked players in the world.

“That’s my goal. Then I can start playing in ATP 250 and 500 series tournaments,” he concluded.