Rafael Nadal of Spain serves against Sebastian Korda of the United States in their second round match on Day 6 of the BNP Paribas Open at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden on March 12, 2022 in Indian Wells, California. — Getty Images via AFP
INDIAN WELLS, March 13 — Rafael Nadal rallied from two breaks down in the third set to beat Sebastian Korda in the second round at Indian Wells yesterday and improve his perfect 2022 start to 16-0.
Nadal, ranked fourth in the world, is off to the best start of any season in his legendary career. The Spanish left-hander continued that run by downing Korda 6-2, 1-6, 7-6 (7/3) at the WTA and ATP Masters tournament.
He launched 2022 with an Australian Open title, making an epic comeback victory over Daniil Medvedev in the final, becoming the first man to win a 21st career major crown.
Nadal lifted the trophy in Acapulco last month and on Saturday kept alive his bid for a record-equalling 37th ATP Masters 1000 crown.
Korda, 21 and ranked 38th in the world, led the third set 5-2, but Nadal reeled off four games in a row as they went to a tiebreaker, which the Spaniard won on his first match point. — AFP