to him, I tell you I wouldn't be here in New York today. I'm 100 per cent sure. I'm very proud that I did it at that age."

Nagal was one of a few thousand people there, with only three getting selected by Bhupathi. Now, he is looking to put India back on the tennis map.

Gone are the glory days of Vijay Amritraj, Leander Paes and Bhupathi. But, for the first time in more than two decades, there will be multiple players from India competing in singles at a Grand Slam. In 1998, it was Bhupathi and Paes at Wimbledon. Now, Nagal joins countryman Prajnesh Gunneswaran in the main draw at the US Open.

The nation has had a bevy of new faces emerge on tour in recent years, withpassions include Japanese culture. He has a full sleeve of tattoos on his left arm, depicting a temple, a samurai and a lotus flower. He says the Japanese peoples' pride and attitude towards life gives him energy.

The right-hander currently trains at Nensel Academy in Germany, having moved there exactly one year ago. His head coach is club director Sascha Nensel, with fitness director Milos Galecic traveling with him to New York. Nensel used to work with former World No. 4 Nicolas Kiefer and WTA star Julia Goerges.

Nagal's results speak for themselves. Up to a career-high No. 190 in the ATP Rankings, he is steadily plotting his ascent. Nearly two years removed from his lone ATP Challenger Tour title in Bangalore, the 22-year-old is finding his stride once again.

Clay