March 20, (THEWILL) – Rafael Nadal, the three-time BNP Paribas Open champion, needed all of his experience in a three-hour and 12-minute semifinal fight at Indian Wells on Saturday to keep his flawless 2022 season going. Nadal defeated Carlos Alcaraz, a quality opponent 17 years his junior, 6-4, 4-6, 6-3, raising his season record to 20 conservative wins.
Nadal fell behind by a break early in the match before battling back and breaking at the finish to take a one-set lead.
Gusts of wind gained up speed early in the second set, benefiting the returner. After a thrilling game that lasted 19 minutes and 42 seconds, Alcaraz struck a magnificent lob winner to secure the sixth consecutive break between the two rivals at 4-4, and after the changeover, he held his nerve to equalise the match one apiece.
As the deciding third set progressed, the wind slowed, offering a better sense of how the match may have played in a more neutral atmosphere.
Nadal was forced to save three break points in the fifth game, taking a more aggressive position by coming forward when given the option, after trading heavy ball-striking in longer rallies.
When he broke with a forehand volley winner for 5-3, these tactics paid off handsomely, and he slammed the door shut without any opposition, taking the final set 6-4.
Last year, the Spaniards met in Madrid, where the left-hander allowed only three games in a second-round blowout. Alcaraz was in his most important semifinal to date, and his nine-match winning streak, which dated back to his Rio de Janeiro title run, came to a stop.
Nadal is attempting to win his fourth consecutive title, all on hard courts. In January this year, he won the Melbourne Summer Set 1 and the Australian Open, and he came in the California desert fresh off a victory in Acapulco.
With today’s victory, he is expected to pass Alexander Zverev for third place in the ATP singles rankings on Monday. Taylor Fritz, a first-time Masters 1000 finalist, awaits Nadal in Sunday’s championship match.
About the Author
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
