'Comparing me with Rafael Nadal amuses me, it makes no sense,' said Sumit Nagal

Ranked 150th, Sumit Nagal came to Buenos Aires with only three ATP wins in a career and no triumphs in the season's opening three events.

The Indian qualified for the main draw and scored convincing victories over Joao Sousa and the 2nd seed Cristian Garin, advancing into the first ATP quarter-final. Sumit took down Cristian 6-4, 6-3 in an hour and 42 minutes, losing serve four times but delivering seven return games from 19 opportunities to seal the deal in straight sets and move into the last eight.

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Nagal became famous when he qualified for the US Open 2019 and drew Roger Federer in the opening round. An inspired Indian won the opening set before Federer took charge to advance in four sets and avoid an upset. Sharing a similar last name with Rafael Nadal, many people joked that it was the closest we would get in Federer vs. Nadal rivalry at the US Open, as the two great rivals never shared the court in New York.

Asked about Nadal and those comparisons, Nagal said that those things amuse him, as they don't have any sense. The Indian praised the Spaniard, saying that he is a phenomenon, on and off the court, and that he loves watching Rafa play.

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"People can't compare me to Rafa just because of similar last names. He is a phenomenon, on and off the court. Those who compare me with Rafa amuse me because it doesn't make any sense. I love watching him play," Sumit Nagal said.