Monday, March 18, 2013
Nadal beats Del Potro to clinch Indian Wells title
By Mark Lamport-Stokes
INDIAN WELLS, California (Reuters) - Rafa Nadal added another triumphant chapter to his remarkable comeback when he came from a set down to beat Juan Martin Del Potro of Argentina 4-6 6-3 6-4 in the BNP Paribas Open final on Sunday.
Rafael Nadal of Spain lunges to return a serve against Juan Martin Del Potro of Argentina during their men's singles final match at the BNP Paribas Open ATP tennis tournament in Indian Wells, California, March 17, 2013. REUTERS/Danny MoloshokThe Spanish left-hander, who was sidelined for seven months last year with a left knee injury, overcame a gritty challenge from the hard-hitting Argentine to win his 53rd ATP singles title.
Nadal broke Del Potro in the third game of the final set and, after his opponent had saved three match points in the ninth, served out to seal victory after an absorbing final that lasted two hours 29 minutes.
The match ended with a mistimed forehand from Del Potro which floated wide and the Spaniard immediately dropped to the ground on his back in celebration.
It was Nadal's third ATP title of the year after appearing in four successive finals, and his first on a hard-court surface since Tokyo in 2010.
- Hosts Malaysia make a tame exit at the hands of Germany
- BAM: There will be no more sweeping under the carpet
- It’s the last $traw thanks to the BWF
- Japanese upset Danes and Joo-bong is all smiles
- Denmark not prepared to take on mighty China just yet
- Dane loves to unwind with her Modern Family
- Tommy not afraid to play for country despite loss
- Low Wee Wern fails to clear opening round again in British Open
- Cyclists give the thumbs up to world-class velodrome
- Savinder Kaur is new middle distance queen after 1,500m victory
- Tomic will play French Open despite troubles - Woodbridge
- Winger Ioane faces fitness race for first Lions test
- Cheruiyot expecting first child, aims to return in 2014
- Ramy wins fiery battle of words and deeds
- Injured Murray withdraws from French Open
- Zhang Jike retains world crown to secure fourth major title in a row
- Joy for Thongchai after Match-Play woe
- Rafie set to help Modenas catch up with rivals
- BAM: There will be no more sweeping under the carpet
- Australian Evans says Giro dream still alive
RSS
