Tennis: Rafael Nadal Claims Epic Victory At Indian Wells
Men’s tennis world number four Rafael Nadal fought back from 5-2 down in the third set to defeat Sebastian Korda 6-2 1-6 7-6(3) in the second round at the Indian Wells tournament.
After cruising through the first set in 35 minutes, the Spaniard struggled to cope with a more aggressive approach from the 21-year-old who stormed through the second.
Nadal’s serve let him down in the third and he committed his seventh double fault to fall two breaks down in front of a stunned crowd before fighting back to force a tiebreak.
The veteran was then much more composed and sealed the win when Korda’s backhand landed wide.
“Everyone knows this is my favourite place to play and it is amazing to play in front of all you guys,” Nadal said after the match.
“I feel very lucky today to be through. Sebastian was playing some fantastic tennis. He had his chances, but that’s tennis.”
With the win, Nadal is now undefeated in 16 matches this year.
Chidi Nwoke/Reuters/TennisTV.
