Taylor Fritz played the
Indian Wells final with a busted ankle yet the American was able to overcome that and win his first big trophy in his career.
It was a dream run for Fritz who flashed some of his potential at last year's Indian Wells when he lost in the semifinal. This time around he took it further by reaching the final but he almost did not play because of an ankle injury that gave him sharp pain during warm-up. He settled on playing the final and that proved the right decision after he was lifting the trophy about 3 hours later.
Speaking after the match, his coach Paul Annacone revealed that he, alongside other members of Fritz's team urged him to not play the match because of the injury. He said:
"All three of his team, me, Mike Russell and [fitness trainer] Wolfgang Oswald all said 'Do not play this match.' He said 'I am playing. I can do this. I want to get out on the court with Rafa"
Fritz proved himself right by getting out there and playing a fabulous match to overcome a hampered Nadal who suffered from breathing issues. It worked out well.