Rafael Nadal defeated the powerful American Reilly Opelka 7: 6 (3), 7: 6 (5) in the fourth round of Indian Wells on Wednesday, while the unseeded Serb Miomir Kecmanovic Matteo Berrettini 6: 3, 6: 7 (5 ), 6:4 defeated .
Indian Wells: Rafael Nadal weathers Reilly Opelka storm, causing Nick Kyrgios to clash (Reuters Photo)
HIGHLIGHTS
- Rafael Nadal is now 18-0 to start the season after beating Opelka
- Nadal will next face Nick Kyrgios in the next round of Indian Wells
- Nadal holds a 5-3 lead over Kyrgios in their previous encounters
Rafael Nadal defeated Reilly Opelka at the BNP Paribas Open to extend his perfect start to the ATP Tour season 18-0, while unseeded Serbian Miomir Kecmanovic defeated world No. 6 Matteo Berrettini 6-3, 6-7 (5), 6-4 defeated fourth round Indian Wells on Wednesday.
Nadal survived Opelka’s hard-hitting game with heavy topspin to outshine the Americans 7-6(3), 7-6(5) to secure his spot in the quarterfinals.
“He’s a very difficult player to play against with his huge serve and huge forehand, but I think I played my best match of the tournament so far,” Nadal said in an on-court interview.
Nadal would stand as far from the baseline on his returns as the court would allow, often having to hit them at head level or higher.
“It’s not just about speed. The spin is also difficult to read. Sometimes it comes with topspin, sometimes with slice.
“It’s a great win for me against one of the toughest opponents I can play against and I’m very happy. I can’t thank you enough for all the positive energy I get here every day.”
Nadal is now 18-0 to start the season and if he can win his fourth title in the California desert he will level with Novak Djokovic for most Masters 1000 titles at 37.
To do this, the 21-time Grand Slam champion must defeat another large server, Australian Nick Kyrgios, who progressed via walkover after Italian Jannik Sinner withdrew from the tournament due to illness.
Nadal holds a 5-3 lead over Kyrgios in their previous encounters.
Earlier in the day, Kecmanovic absorbed Berrettini’s powerful serve in the opener and converted a break point chance in game four when a frustrated Berrettini gained just eight return points.
