As we draw curtains on the maiden ATP Masters 1000 tournament of the season, the home fans were in a celebratory mood. Their hero, Taylor Fritz, had just shocked the 21-time Grand Slam champion, Rafael Nadal, for the biggest victory of his career. Moreover, it was a thoroughly dominating performance by the American star. He defeated Nadal in straight sets 6-3, 7-6 (5) to take home the Indian Wells Masters 1000 title.

Fritz entered the final as a clear underdog with Rafael Nadal unbeaten this season. Additionally, he had lost his only meeting with Nadal in Acapulco two years back. However, the 24-year-old proved everyone wrong to overcome the Spaniard. Subsequently, Fritz displayed raw emotions after the win, denoting how much the win meant to him.

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Taylor Fritz gets emotional after his victory over Rafael Nadal

During the presentation ceremony, Fritz thanked everyone for their support. Further, expressing his feelings on winning the match, he said, “And seriously, this is a, winning this tournament is just one of those crazy childhood dreams that you really never think is going to happen.”

Fritz was dominant from the start to end as he came out on the top after just over two hours. He started the match brightly, as he broke Nadal’s serve twice to race to a 4-0 lead in the first set. The Spaniard showed glimpses of a comeback while trying to stay in the set as he broke Fritz’s serve in the eighth game of the opening set. However, Fritz broke back immediately to win the first set 6-3.

The second set was a keenly fought affair as Nadal aimed to bounce back into the match. The Spaniard broke his opponent’s serve in the third game of the second set. However, Fritz came back strongly to break Nadal’s serve in the next game to level the second set 2-2. Subsequently, Nadal didn’t make the most of the numerous breakpoints that were up on the offer. The set eventually proceeded into the tie-breaker. Fritz held his nerves to win some crucial points as he burst into emotions after winning the second set 7-6 (5).

This win will significantly boost Fritz’s ranking. It should be a massive confidence booster for him, especially with the second part of the ‘Sunshine Double’ just around the corner. The California native will hope to continue his winning run at the Miami Masters.

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