World No. 1 Rafael Nadal fought back from a set down to beat Radek Stepanek 2-6 6-4 7-5 and move into the third round of the BNP Paribas Open at Indian Wells. Rafa’s reward is a third round encounter with Alexandr Dolgopolov, whom he defeated two weeks ago in the Rio Open final.
“With my serve I was doing nothing. When that happens, the opponent is able to play more aggressive, play more confident and in the end, eight double faults, I give him an opportunity to win a lot of free points,” Nadal said. “I was a little bit scared for the back. I am not feeling 100 percent confident with my serve. But probably that match is going to help me understand that I can start to serve normal again.”
Matthew Stockman/Getty Images North America
Stephen Dunn/Getty Images
Stephen Dunn/Getty Images
Stephen Dunn/Getty Images
EFE/EPA/MICHAEL NELSON
EFE/EPA/MICHAEL NELSON
EFE/EPA/MICHAEL NELSON
EFE/EPA/MICHAEL NELSON
EFE/EPA/PAUL BUCK
EFE/EPA/PAUL BUCK
EFE/EPA/PAUL BUCK
EFE/EPA/PAUL BUCK
Matthew Stockman/Getty Images North America
Stephen Dunn/Getty Images
Matthew Stockman/Getty Images North America
AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill
Matthew Stockman/Getty Images North America
Matthew Stockman/Getty Images North America
EFE/EPA/MICHAEL NELSON
Matthew Stockman/Getty Images North America
Matthew Stockman/Getty Images North America
Source: ATP World Tour
Rafa , je prie pour que tu retrouves un bon service au prochain tour . Mais BRAVO pour la performance face à un très bon Stepanek .J’ai eu peur et j’ai tremblé tout au long du match !
VAMOS RAFA . Ton tennis sera meilleur au prochain tour
Set my alarm clock to watch the match, it surely kept me wide awake! Stepanek threw everything at Rafael and it took the steely mentality of the great champion to figure a way to win. Worrying moments when he was 40/love on serve in the third set but he came through. Over the first hurdle and this victory will give him confidence. Vamos Rafaaaa
Rafa had me out of my seat in my living room ! I feel if I didn’t had a good heart I will get a heart attack from Rafa excitement!! Just love Rafa and wish him all the best
+Great job Rafa. Keep going and getting better and better and better and ………..God Bless you, Love Marylynn P.O. I wish you all of the best in every category.
Mabuhay! VAMOS RAFA
Wow what a match , Rafa ur just a come back King you know how to get me on the edge of my seat, that is why I love ur Tennis u just make it so exciting. Vamooooooooooooooooos Rafa ~~~~~~~~
Well done Rafa wish you all the best.