The ATP event at Indian Wells, California is racing through its 2nd week already. With an attractive draw, the men's singles contest already put some thrilling matches in place. The 3rd round session jumped in with some highly-awaited encounters. Djokovic vs. del Potro might be the main event of this round, but Nadal vs. Verdasco also stood as a worth-watching clash. These Spaniards fought for a place in the 4th round where Roger Federer could be standing on the other side of the net. With a history of heart-stopping moments while facing each other, Nadal and Verdasco put in a decent game.
Nadal's superiority was obvious
Prior to this match, in head-to-head stats, Rafael Nadal (6 ATP) had a 15-3 lead over Fernando Verdasco (29 ATP). The opening set saw a dominant Nadal on his own serve as Verdasco could do little to fight back. Even so, the first half of the set had both players keeping their feet on the ground. There was a single break on serve throughout the set, in the 8th game at the end of a poor delivery from Verdasco's side. With a break ahead, Nadal went on serving out the opening act. It was 6-3 in the end and things were on the regular path for the 2017 Australian Open runner-up.
A clumsy start of the 2nd set brought a glimpse of hope for Verdasco. The set went head-to-head.
At 5-5, taking advantage of Verdasco's unforced errors spree, Nadal broke decisively and then successfully served out the match. With a straight set victory 6-3, 7-5, Rafael Nadal booked a spot in the 4th round. Also, Roger Federer is set to play against Steve Johnson of the United States.
Nadal is looking for one more title
Last season, having so many issues with injuries and form, Nadal lost the taste an ATP title tends to provide. His last success occurred in Barcelona on clay. Since then, his only notable results were at the Olympics where he was a gold medalist in men's doubles. And of course, at the 2017 Australian Open he came pretty close to surpassing Federer in the final. Indian Wells seems like the right place to end his drought.
