A blockbuster matchup in the Indian Wells quarterfinals pits familiar foes Rafael Nadal and Nick Kyrgios against each other on Thursday. Cameron Norrie and Carlos Alcaraz are also aiming for a place in the final four.
(4) Rafael Nadal vs. (WC) Nick Kyrgios
Nadal and Kyrgios will be squaring off for the ninth time in their careers when they clash in the BNP Paribas Open quarterfinals on Thursday afternoon. The head-to-head series series stands at 5-3 in favor of Nadal following victories by almost identical scorelines at Wimbledon in 2019 and at the 2020 Australian Open. The Spaniard prevailed 6-3, 3-6, 7-6(5), 7-6(3) at the All-England Club and 6-3, 3-6, 7-6(6), 7-6(4) at Melbourne Park. They have split six previous encounters away from clay at three wins apiece and Kyrgios is 2-0 against Nadal on North American hard courts.
You know another strong effort from Kyrgios is forthcoming in this one. The 26-year-old is always motivated in this matchup, is playing great in Indian Wells (has not dropped a set while defeating Sebastian Baez, Federico Delbonis, and Casper Ruud), and he is well-rested after getting a fourth-round walkover from Jannik Sinner. The question is if Nadal can bring enough to the table to withstand another Kyrgios charge. At 100 percent, the 35-year-old is the best player on tour right now. He is 18-0 this season with three titles–including the Australian Open. Since requiring a major comeback against Sebastian Korda last weekend, Nadal has raised his level to beat Dan Evans and Reilly Opelka in straight sets. However, the world No. 4’s lingering foot issue is a concern. If he is fine physically, Nadal’s defense and ability to play his way into extended rallies with Kyrgios should keep him undefeated in 2022.
Pick: Nadal in 2
(19) Carlos Alcaraz vs. (12) Cameron Norrie
Whenever the time comes for Nadal to step away from the game, Alcaraz is the heir apparent. The 18-year-old Spaniard has been tipped as such for many years already, and now he is starting to live up to the hype. Obviously calling for him to be “the next Nadal” is outrageous, but becoming a multiple Grand Slam champion seems well within reach. Don’t be surprised if he is a Masters 1000 champion by the end of this fortnight. Alcaraz is on fire right now, with an 11-1 record in 2022 that is highlighted by a title in Rio de Janeiro. So far in Indian Wells the world No. 19 has disposed of Mackenzie McDonald, Roberto Bautista Agut, and Gael Monfils in easy straight sets. He dropped a grand total of two games to Bautista Agut and issued a breadstick to Monfils in their second set on Wednesday night.
Up next for Alcaraz on Thursday is Norrie, the defending champion. They previously faced each other at the 2021 U.S. Open and to say it did not go well for the left-handed Brit would be an understatement. He lost 6-4, 6-4, 6-3. Norrie is obviously confident at this particular tournament following his success last fall, but Alcaraz has only gotten better and better since their first meeting last summer so there is no reason to think Norrie can withstand the teenager’s firepower.
Pick: Alcaraz in 2
who ya got?
Kyrgios hasn’t been stretched yet so I’m not sure what his level is. Had he beaten a fit Sinner that would have been an indication of where his game is at but Ruud really didn’t turn up for their match and Kyrgios didn’t have to do much.
Was talking about Alcaraz with vr last week. With Rafa not at his best here am thinking Alcaraz may well win the title.
I hope Rafa doesn’t lose to NK! We all know how NK is super motivated against Rafa and frequently raises his game several notches.
If Rafa’s foot is ok he should win…But he was talking about how much he dislikes the ball here and how it doesn’t suit his forehand.
I hope this ball won’t be used for clay. Does anyone know? These technicalities are a mystery to me. I was puzzling over Barty’s coach saying the ball at the USO was too light for her to win there although she would be ok with the heavier ball the men use. Now these technicalities are not up my street.
Vr? Anyone else?
Nick somehow always gets up for Rafa…and I think he will again…in 2; and though Norrie playing really well, I’ll take Alcaraz in 3.
They’ve just shown Rafa on the practice court. He looks fit to me.
Vamos Rafa!
Rafael Nadal says his start to the season would have been “impossible to imagine” three months ago, and he is planning to play a full clay-court season as well as Wimbledon.
The 21-time Grand Slam champion has won 18 consecutive matches and will face Nick Kyrgios in the quarter-finals at Indian Wells. But he admits his long-term foot problem has caused pain in recent days.
The injury allowed him to play just one event in the second half of last year.
In an interview for BBC Sport after his fourth-round win over Reilly Opelka, Nadal said:
“I just love playing here. My foot is holding well, but sometimes it’s true in the match that I hurt. “I go week by week. My goal is to play every single event, but of course I am open to make decisions like I had to do with Miami. But it is not in my plans. On clay, my calendar is going to be the same as usual.”
“It’s difficult to hide that, but it’s nothing new. Some days are better, some days are worse, but if I had signed a paper three months ago, it would have been to be worse than how I am today, without a doubt.”
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/tennis/60776620
It seems to me that Nadal’s level dropped compared to Acapulco, no wonder since he must be thinking about the clay season already. However, following such a dull day at the office yesterday, he may as well enjoy playing some real tennis against Nick later on today.
A dull day at the office yesterday?
Kyrgios in 3 and Alcaraz in 2
I am worried about Rafa’s foot! I wasn”t even supportive of his decision to play IW. Too much of cement hurts his foot, but we all know how motivated Rafa is!
Vamos Rafa! Stay healthy to win RG! The rest is just a bonus!
Rafa cannot BUY a first serve! No shocker he gets broken but he is giving it all he can as expected, lol!!
Oh boy!! I can tell the commies would love to see Rafa get beaten here!! They r literally salivating!! Sigh!
Monalisa, are you listening to Americans?
Nadline, yes, unfortunately! 🙄
Kyrgios has rattled Nadal’s “it’s all about me bubble”.
This has potential upset written all over it.
“It”s all about me” bubble? What is it about Rafa that makes u guys talk so much rubbish?!! Sigh!!
Mona,
Because he is a miserable loser who has no life.
Kyrgios knows you have to take Nadal out of his comfort zone.
Rafa needs to go up a gear here!! He needs to find his first serve!! What’s with all those dfs?! Vamos!!
Rafa has let Nick get into his head. He needs to just shake it off.
I don’t think so though! Rafa usually starts slow but he seems quite calm, haven’t seen deer in headlights look from him!! He’s playing possum and scheming his come back! Lol!!
Hope you are right.
🤪
C’mon Rafa, bring the magic.
Vamos!
There’s no much in it but 76 76 against Opelka is probably not good enough to beat an inspired Kyrgios right now.
What a brilliant game from Rafa to break !
But now he has to hold!
Yes! He did!
But I love Rafa”s composure out there!! It makes me feel less anxious!’ He is so focused and just plays his game as he should! Only Vamoses on important points!!
Nadline, u c? Just cool and collected but let’s c if he can consolidate!!
Kyrios, has plenty skills!! 😂
Kyrgios wins in 3.
Alcaraz in 3, also.