Rafael Nadal outshine Juan Martin Del Potro to lift the crown – BNP Paribas Open 2013
Fifth seeded Spaniard, Rafael Nadal, made an epic comeback from a set down to trounce the Argentinean number one, Juan Martin Del Potro, in a three-set mouth-watering match at the BNP Paribas Open 2013 on Sunday. He notched up
a 4-6, 6-3, 6-4 victory against the Argentine and made history at this hard court event taking place in Indian Wells, United States.
The former world number one, Nadal made a sloppy start against Del Potro. However, he hit back and not only conquered Indian Wells but also grabbed a record breaking 22nd ATP (Association of Tennis Professionals) Masters
1000 title. This was the Spaniard’s third title at this event and he joined Roger Federer as the only active player to accomplish this task.
The Spanish star was quoted in a courtside interview after claiming the trophy:
"A lot of things happened the last seven months, [so] to be back here and to have this very heavy trophy with me is amazing. Beating three Top 10 players and winning a title like this is just something unbelievable for me. I'm
very, very happy and very emotional."
The world number seven, Del Potro was trailing 0-3 in the start of the match before he re-focused. He recovered in the fifth game and got the breakthrough in the second last game, eventually clicking the opener with a 6-4 win.
Nadal carried his losing ways in the proceeding set and gifted away his serve in the opening game. However, he hit back and reeled off last five games. As a result the Spaniard grabbed the equaliser with a 6-3 success.
The 26-year-old kept his momentum rolling in the deciding set. He got the coveted break in the third game and leaped to a 3-1 lead. Nadal held his composure and eventually registered the victory with a 6-4 score line.
Notching his 600th win after bagging this title, Nadal recently returned from seven months lay off. He was ruled out of tennis after shocking Wimbledon Championships second round exit last season. However, since his
return, the Spaniard has already won titles in Sao Paulo and Acapulco.
The Mallorcan has risen to the fourth spot in the Emirates ATP World Tour Rankings after conquering this Masters event. He has decided to take rest at the Sony Ericsson Open in Miami but will content for his ninth consecutive title
at the Monte-Carlo Rolex Masters.
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