Rafael Nadal ousts Ryan Harrison to enter round three – BNP Paribas Open 2013
Former world number one, Rafael Nadal, eased past the local challenger, Ryan Harrison, in straight sets at the BNP Paribas Open 2013 on Sunday. He notched up a 7-6(3), 6-2 victory against the youngster to power into the third round at this ATP (Association
of Tennis Professionals) Masters 1000 event taking place in Indian Wells, United States.
Seeded fifth in this event, Nadal recreated his magic to outsmart the 20-year-old. After stealing the show in one hour and 34 minutes, the Spanish star stayed on course to bid his 22nd Masters crown at this hard court event.
"I am satisfied to be in the next round. That's the most important thing. Two weeks ago, I didn't really know if I would be here playing. I am happy to be here. I am happy to be in the third round. It was a good victory for me today against a good opponent.
My physical performance needs to improve. My movement needs to improve. Matches like this help me. Any victory is important for me because that gives me the chance to play another day. That's what I need, to play matches. I need to compete."
The Spanish number two made thunderous entry. He cruised to a 4-1 lead after dominating in the set. Despite squandering his edge afterwards, Nadal remained focused and eventually pulled out the opener with a 7-6(3) score line.
Nadal kept his momentum rolling in the proceeding set. He cashed on two break chances and eventually clicked the set with a 6-2 score line.
Next in line for the Spaniard is Argentina’s Leonardo Mayer. The Argentine stunned 30th seeded Mikhail Youzhny in straight sets to set up this epic clash.
The world number one, Novak Djokovic from Serbia, will join Nadal in the proceeding round. He warded off late comeback by Italy’s Fabio Fognini in a three-set thriller to advance. The Serbian number one lost his concentration in the second set but re-gained
his strength in the deciding set, eventually clinching the match with a 6-0, 5-7, 6-2 score line. He will face off 31st seeded Grigor Dimitrov in the third round.
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