Rafael Nadal outlasted an inspired Nick Kyrgios in the Indian Wells quarterfinals to advance to the semifinals 7-6(0) 5-7 6-4.
Rafael Nadal entered this match with a shaky service game that gave Kyrgios the early 2-0 lead. It's not the ideal start against a player like Kyrgios who is very hard to break when he is motivated and engaged and so far this event, he's certainly been that. This went smoothly after that with the Australian holding serve easily.
That was until 5-4 when he serve for the match and lost his serve. He never quite recovered after that losing the tiebreak 7-0. Once again a comeback for Nadal who was on the verge of losing the first set. The 2nd set followed the typical progression in Kyrgios matches. He held serve with ease while Nadal did the same.
A tiebreak looked on the menu yet the Australian had other plans. He waited patiently for a poor Nadal service game and he got it at a perfect time playing a superb point to seal the 2nd set with 7-5. He was pumped up after that and carried that momentum early in the 3rd set where he applied pressure on Nadal early.
Nadal saved two break points to hold serve early and it proved decisive. The Spaniard had break points of his own but Kyrgios was able to hold as well. In the Australian's next service game, Nadal got another break point and Kyrgios double-faulted. It proved crucial as Nadal routinely finished it off with 6-4. He's into the semifinal with a 19-0 record on the year.
19-0. Rafael Nadal stays undefeated in 2022, surviving one of the toughest tests in tennis: a motivated Nick Kyrgios. 7-6(0), 5-7, 6-4 in 2h47 to reach the SFs in Indian Wells. Awaits 18yo Alcaraz or defeding champion Norrie, both also in very good form. [getty]
