21-time Grand Slam champion Rafael Nadal will square off against Sebastian Korda in the second round at the Indian Wells Masters on Saturday.
The 21-year-old American won just four games across three sets in the pair’s first meeting at Roland Garros in 2020.

Date: March 12, 2022
Match time: Around 12.30 PM local time / 3.30 PM EST – New York, Montreal / 8.30 PM GMT – United Kingdom / 9.30 PM CET – Spain, France, Germany, Italy / Sunday 6.30 AM AEDT – Melbourne. To convert to your local time, use this website.
“Growing up, I named my cat Rafa after him,” Korda said the last time he played Rafa, at Roland Garros in 2020. “That says a lot about how much I love the guy. He’s my biggest idol. He’s one of the reasons I play tennis. Just watching him play, he is an unbelievable competitor. Just from him I have the never-give-up mentality. Whenever I’m on court, I try to be like him.”
Our champ is 15-0 on the season and has fond memories in Indian Wells, where he triumphed in 2007, 2009 and 2013.
He rallied past Daniil Medvedev for a record-setting 21st major championship at the Australian Open in January, and also beat Medvedev in Acapulco en route to his third title of the year – all on hard courts.
Rafa is seeking a record-tying 37th ATP Masters 1000 title.
GOOD LUCK & VAMOS RAFA!
Hahaha now that was ridiculous!
Seems like our champ is suddenly invincible?
Great fightback Rafa! Keep going champ!
I’m not sure how Rafa won that being 2 breaks down in the final set. Clearly the man is a magician. I’m so pleased. Vamos
This another best of 3 setter from RAFA.
Sebi got his wish playing his idol, Rafa, again…Rafa in three sets?🙏🍀❤️
Vamos💪💪💪
I think Rafa should not practice with Sebi again.😂
I don’t know what happened in the final set😱 but our champ did it!👏👏👏 Sebi was so close…
Good luck against D. Evans next, Rafa🍀❤️💪
Good luck Rafa. Love the outfit..Vamos
Wishing you the best of luck Rafa, Vamos x
That was scary TC live had breaking news about Rafa but it was only that he’s pulling out of Miami! He needs to manage his foot! Also saw him in his IW outfit & he looks amazing in it. Good luck Rafa against Korda today…you are his idol but sock it to him any way! Vamos! ❤❤
What lovely words said by Sebastian Korda about Rafa. Wishing them both luck today but of course, wanting Rafa to win the easy way. Straight sets would be nice. Vamos.
Good luck Rafa❤️
Rafa, have lots of fun and good luck to you.
RAFA ROCKS
All good wishes Rafa as you start your IW campaign. 🇪🇸⭐️🍀🍀