Rafael Nadal came from behind to oust Ernests Gulbis in round four – BNP Paribas Open 2013
Former world number one, Rafael Nadal, made an epic comeback from a set down to outclass the Latvian challenger, Ernests Gulbis, in a three-set thriller at the BNP Paribas Open 2013 on Thursday. He nudged up a 4-6, 6-4, 7-5 victory
against the in-form Latvian to power into the quarter-finals at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden.
Seeded fifth at this ATP (Association of Tennis Professionals) Masters 1000, Nadal made a dismal entry. However, he re-ignited his spark after that and eventually pulled out the victory in two hours and 33 minutes.
"To win matches in days like today are more important that ever for me, and I'm very happy about what I did on court," said the jubilant Nadal. "I'm happy about the attitude. With all the problems, I was able to keep being focused
and keep winning."
The 24-year-old, Gulbis made a strong start in this match. He swiftly bagged his entire serves without facing any trouble. The qualifier got the breakthrough in the last game and eventually pulled out the opener with a 6-4 win.
The world number five, Nadal re-focused in the proceeding set and broke his rival’s serve in the opening game. Despite levelling the scores in the fourth game, the Spaniard cashed another break chance and grabbed the equaliser
with a 6-4 success.
The 11-time Grand Slam Champion, Nadal maintained consistency in his game in the deciding set. He managed to capitalise on a break chance in the second last game and then clicked his serve to seal the decider by winning seven games
to five.
Nadal will square off against the 17-time Grand Slam champion and his arch rival, Roger Federer. The Swiss Maestro rallied past his compatriot, Stanislas Wawrinka, in a three-set thriller to set up this blockbuster quarter-final
clash.
Ranked second in the Emirates ATP World Tour Rankings, Federer required two hours and 20 minutes to overpower his fellow citizen.
Both stars will face off each other after 12 months. They previously met at this tournament last season when Federer cruised past the Spaniard in straight sets to reach the title-round. Currently the Spanish star is leading 18-10
in the FedEx ATP Head 2 Head series against Federer.
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