Unstoppable Rafael Nadal marches on, makes ATP Tour history at Indian Wells as perfect season continues
- Spaniard becomes second player in men’s game to start season 18-0 after beating Reilly Opelka
- Nadal faces Australian Nick Kyrgios in the quarter-finals of California tournament
Nursing a nagging foot injury, Rafael Nadal became the second player in ATP Tour history to start a season 18-0, edging Reilly Opelka 7-6 (3), 7-6 (5) on Wednesday in the fourth round of the BNP Paribas Open.
Only Novak Djokovic has made better starts since 1990. The Serb went 26-0 to begin 2020 and 41-0 to open 2011.
“I can’t say it’s a dream because I even couldn’t dream about that three months ago, two months ago,” Nadal said. “I am just enjoying every single moment.”
Last year, Nadal’s playing time was interrupted by Covid-19 and injuries, creating doubt about the Spanish star’s ability to recover well enough to maintain his exacting standards. But he won his record 21st grand slam title at the Australian Open in January and has continued on a tear.
“I am just very happy to be playing tennis,” said Nadal, who turns 36 in June. “Today was a little bit worse than other days. It’s true that the last couple of days the foot has been bothering me a little bit more.”
Nadal has already withdrawn from the Miami Open that follows Indian Wells. He wants extra time to prepare for the clay court season that isn’t as punishing as hard courts.
The Spaniard rallied from a 2-4 deficit in the second set to lead 6-5. Opelka held after three deuces when Nadal netted a forehand chasing the American’s drop shot to force the second tiebreaker.