Indian Wells: Rafael Nadal now 17-0 after beating Daniel Evans, as Daniil Medvedev loses No 1 ranking
- After sitting out much of last year because of injury, Nadal has been on a tear and remains unbeaten in 2022
- Novak Djokovic will reclaim top spot after Medvedev’s loss to Gael Monfils
Rafael Nadal is still perfect in 2022. The Spaniard defeated 27th-seeded Daniel Evans 7-5, 6-3 in the third round of the BNP Paribas Open, improving his record to 17-0 this year in pursuit of an ATP Tour-leading fourth title.
Nadal tied Roger Federer (2018) and Pete Sampras (1997) for the third-best overall start to a season in the Open era that began in 1968.
Daniil Medvedev’s rise to No 1 in the world came crashing down in a 4-6, 6-3, 6-1 loss to Gael Monfils. Medvedev needed to reach the quarter finals to stay at the top, where he replaced Novak Djokovic.
“Is it better to be No 1 for let’s say one week in your life or never touch it?” Medvedev said. “You know, I think it’s still better to at least touch it.”
Djokovic will reclaim the No 1 ranking next week. The Serb is unvaccinated against Covid-19, so he wasn’t allowed to enter the United States to play at Indian Wells or the upcoming Miami Open.