Three-time champion Rafael Nadal beat 17th seed Reilly Opelka 7-6(3), 7-6(5) on Wednesday to book a quarterfinal clash with Nick Kyrgios at the ATP Indian Wells Masters. The Australian moved through after Italian Jannik Sinner was forced to withdraw from their match due to illness.
Opelka served nine aces to Rafa’s six but our champ used all of his experience to advance.
Rafa, playing in his fourth tournament of the year, is now 18-0. The run includes his record 21st Grand Slam title in Australia. Extending the best season start of his career, our champ is into the Indian Wells quarterfinals for the 12th time.
After the match, Rafa said:
“He is one of the toughest opponents on Tour. It is very tough to control his weapons with his serve and forehand. I think I played my best match of the tournament so far today. I am very pleased with how I was able to win the match, with two difficult tie-breaks. This victory means a lot to me.”
Rafa congratulations..it was a little dodgy for you but your foot was causing some grief. Am sorry that you are troubled now. Take care of your health..the old saying : health is wealth. Vamos
ENHORABUENA!!! RAFA, por dos razones, primero por tu triunfo sobre Opelka, y segundo xq hoy tu juego ha sido de Rafa Nadal, sigue jugando asi, te seguimos, VAMOS!!!!
Estupendo 😀 rezando en cada nuevo para Vd. Visto el ultimo partido con Evans en Eurosport Bravo 😀 Praying for good continuation with el pie.
What a tough game stay healthy and go for the number 4 win rafael
Congratulations on a tough win. Stay healthy. Best of luck in next round.💪👏🤛👍🍀🎾❤️
Great job, Rafa.👏 18/401 and counting…Vamos Rafa💪❤️
Congratulations on your win today rafa great match all the best for your next match tough one nick you can do it though vamos rafa xx
Well done Rafa but concerned about his foot. I pray that it’s okay🙏🙏Happy St, Patrick’s Day to Raftans all over the world. Match 17 is our National holiday in Ireland. 👍🍀🍀🍀🍀💚💚💚💚
Happy for Rafa that he found a way to win but his foot looked not good today😔 I hope it will be better tomorrow, take no risks champ. Vamos Rafa❤️