Rafael Nadal knocked down the No. 1 player in the United States

ATP Indian Wells – Despite the pain in his left leg, Rafael Nadal won his 18th individual title at this year’s Masters 1000 in Indian Wells.

Nadal won the final 16-: 6 (7: 3), 7: 6 (7: 5) against Reilly Opelka (ATP 17), the last American to play at Delrey Beach in the California Oasis (final) and Dallas (winner). Both entered the finals. In the second set Nadal trailed 2: 4 and had to block three more breakballs to convert it to 2: 5.

In the quarterfinals, Nadal meets Australian Nick Kyrgios (ATP 132) on Thursday, who has struggled against the ailing Janick Chinner – and can only hope for another victory if Nadal does not get problems under his left foot. Control. “The last few days have been more painful than ever. I’ve been trying to be positive.”

Nadal can rest for a day after the quarterfinals and before the semifinals. It has been clear from the start of the tournament that Nadal will return to Europe after the Indian Wells match and will not take part in next week’s Miami. After the Indian Wells, Nadal is fully focused on the clay field season, which starts with the Monte Carlo Open in April.