ATP Indian Wells: Rafael Nadal phases some other impressive comeback to stick unbeaten in 2022

Rafael Nadal roared again from 5-2 down within the 3rd set to defeat Sebastian Korda 6-2, 1-6, 7-6(3) in the second one spherical at Indian Wells on Saturday and stay unbeaten in 2022.

Indian Wells: Rafael Nadal produces some other miraculous comeback (Reuters Picture)

HIGHLIGHTSRafael Nadal beat Sebastian Korda 6-2, 1-6, 7-6(3) in the second one roundRafael Nadal got here again from 5-2 down within the 3rd set to overcome KordaNadal introduced that he would now not compete on the Miami Open

Rafael Nadal got here again from 5-2 down within the 3rd set to knock out American Sebastian Korda 6-2, 1-6, 7-6(3) in the second one spherical of Indian Wells on Saturday and stay unbeaten in 2022. Nadal defeated 21-year outdated Sebastian Korda in two hours and 29 mins to keep away from the earliest loss since Shanghai 2016.

“We all know that is my favorite position to play and it’s wonderful to play in entrance of all you guys,” Nadal advised the supportive crowd underneath blue skies within the Southern California wilderness.

“I believe very fortunate these days to be thru. Sebastian was once taking part in some unbelievable tennis. He had his possibilities, however that is tennis.”

The loss will sting Korda, who grew up idolizing the 21-time Grand Slam champion or even named his cat after him. “He began taking part in so much another way,” Korda mentioned of Nadal’s play after he fell in the back of 5-2 within the decider.

“He moved nearer to the baseline. I may see that he was once a bit of frightened, converting his techniques. I simply did not play excellent video games, and he took benefit of it.” With the win, the three-time Indian Wells champion is now undefeated in 16 fits this yr.

Prior to his fit, Nadal introduced that he would now not compete on the Miami Open, which begins later this month. Previous on Saturday, newly-crowned international primary, Daniil Medvedev dispatched Tomas Machac 6-3 6-2 to cruise into the 3rd spherical.

Medvedev’s robust serve and nearly impenetrable protection proved an excessive amount of for the Czech qualifier to take care of. The Russian won a heat welcome from the gang at Stadium One when he was once presented as the sector’s best males’s participant after the fit.

“That is the primary time I’ve heard this and other folks clapped so thank you so much for the good welcome,” Medvedev mentioned.