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Indian Wells: Nadal borders on disappointment, Medvedev in all serenity

2022-03-13T08:23:20.422Z


One came close to his first defeat in 2022, the other did not force his talent: Rafael Nadal and Daniil Medvedev, the two favorites in Indian Wells, took different paths to advance to the 3rd round on Saturday for their entry into the running.


The Spaniard played to scare himself against American Sebastian Korda, who was two points clear in the third set, but ended up beating laboriously 6-2, 1-6, 7-6 (7/3), after almost two and a half hours.

The world No.4, who is aiming for a 4th consecutive title after winning the ATP 250 in Melbourne, the Australian Open where he became the record holder for the number of Grand Slam titles (21, ahead of Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic ) and the Acapulco tournament, therefore remains undefeated in sixteen matches played in 2022.

But his opponent almost didn't create a huge surprise against the ogre of this beginning of the season, because, after having broken him twice in the last set, he led 5-2, 30A, on his serve.

Seeming to be in physical difficulty, Nadal then began an impressive "

remontada

", his tennis suddenly regaining color by the sheer force of self-sacrifice that we know him to be, even when it does not want to and even when all seems lost.

I thought I was going to lose.

But my state of mind at 5-2 against me was: + Ok, I'm playing badly, but I'll try to finish the match feeling better.

So I have to fight for it.

I played a little better.

He made a few mistakes.

Then at 5-3, 5-4, you never know what can happen …

“, he commented.

He thus lined up four consecutive games, instilling doubt at each point gained in his opponent, more and more aware of passing so close to the feat.

And if Korda gave himself a chance by pushing the Majorcan to the decisive game, the latter did not miss the opportunity to get out of this trap match by finally imposing his rhythm, as he had done in the first set.

So much more in leg and dominating, he had given the impression of being able to finish quickly.

But the 38th in the world reacted very well in the second round, accelerating the pace and pushing Nadal to his limits, who committed a shower of unforced errors.

I was super lucky today to pass, honestly.

I have to admit it, as I have to admit that I have to play better.

I will work tomorrow (Sunday) to try to be ready

” on Monday, added the Mallorcan who will face the Briton Daniel Evans.

Scheduled to open on the central, filled with 16,000 people, Daniil Medvedev, who is defending his status as world No.1 for the first time in Indian Wells, passed without a hitch, dismissing 6-3 6-2 Tomas Machac.

Without forcing, he was solid against the Czech (158th) from qualifying, converting three of the seven break points he got.

He concluded on his third match point in 1h11.

I think I was consistent.

The first set was quite tight and I made the difference in the key points.

Contrary to what the score suggests, it was not easy

,” he said.

The 26-year-old Russian will face Frenchman Gaël Monfils (N.26) in the next round, who defeated Serbian Filip Krajinovic (6-3, 6-4).

Among the other notable results, in men, the great Spanish hope Carlos Alcaraz (N.19), qualified at the expense of the American Mackenzie McDonald (6-3, 6-3), just like the defending champion , Briton Cameron Norrie (N.12), easy winner of Spaniard Pedro Martinez (6-3, 6-3).

The first big surprise of the tournament came from the women's draw.

Aryna Sabalenka, 3rd in the world and therefore the highest ranked player, due to the absence of the Australian Ashleigh Barty (N.1) of the Czech Barbora Krejcikova (N.2), did not escape the stampede, beaten as soon as he entered the running (2-6, 6-3, 6-3) by Jasmine Paolini (46th).

The Spanish defending champion Paula Badosa (N.5), the Estonian Anett Kontaveit (N.4) and the Greek Maria Sakkari (N.6) held their rank.

Source: lefigaro

All sports articles on 2022-03-13

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