Rafael Nadal has been having an incredible run in 2022 so far. The Spaniard not only became the first person to win 21 Grand Slam titles at the Australian Open, this year, he also won his 91st title at Acapulco. Given that he is returning from an injury, this is one of the most inspiring forms that the Spaniard has been in.

He proved yet again why he is one of the greatest tennis players ever in his second-round match at the Indian Wells 2022.

Also read: Here’s What Rafael Nadal Said to Carlos Alcaraz After He Blasted a Winner Past Him During a Practice Session

Nadal fights into third round at Indian Wells

While it did seem for a while that Nadal’s 15 match winning streak would be over, he managed to prevail against the American Sebastian Korda. The World No. 5 took the first set fairly easily. Sebastian Korda pulled his socks up in the next one. He found his momentum using a variety of shots and positions to give an unpredictable touch to his game. He took the second set 6-1 while Nadal seemed to falter a bit with his rhythm.

In the third set, Rafael Nadal did pick up his game a little, but Korda continued to exert pressure on him, ultimately breaking his serve. Nadal’s serve seemed to be a major issue as it deserted him at some very crucial times. But, it is not like the Spaniard was not moving well and fans did see quite a few glimpses of vintage Nadal.

He then managed to consolidate that serve, before breaking again. But it could have been the nerves finally catching up to him, and Nadal upping his game a little, the Spaniard managed to break back twice.

The match extended up to a tie-break, with Nadal serving first. By then, Nadal had gone back to doing what he does best- fight on, and see the point to fruition. He eventually won the match 6-2, 1-2, 7-6 (7-3), in yet another display of grit, determination and timeless skill.

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Rafael Nadal withdraws from Miami Open

Rafael Nadal recently announced that he will not be taking part in the upcoming Miami Open, where he was slated to play next. This move is probably taken by him and his team to help him regroup before the clay season that starts in April.

The red dirt is Nadal’s most favorite surface to play on and he has achieved some phenomenal records on this surface over the years. It is thus natural for him to focus on returning to the Monte Carlo Masters, fully fit, as the ‘King of Clay’ should be.