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
Wow! 1st set Rafa! I had completely lost all hope.
Vamos Rafa!
I didn’t!! He was just so “colm” I just knew he was scheming!! Hehe!!!
I just love the way Rafa gets under players” skins!! 😂😂😂😂
Kyrios loses point for obscenity!!! What a sore loser!!! SMH!!! And a waste of talent!! He started off so well but he expected that to be enough to beat Rafa!! Rafa makes you suffer to beat him, Kyrios must know this!! Hope Rafa can c him off in two!! Vamos!!!
This match is insane!
Nick is insane, lol!! Look how well he plays when he’s calm!! He seems to have ADD!!
Somebody on VB says they think he has mental problems! Ya think?
He is nuts!
Nick twitted the other day that he is depressed and self harming.
Oh? Well I hope he gets the care he needs. Such a huge talent but………
I don’t like accusing ppl of having mental issues given that it’s a serious malady, but the way Nick behaves can’t simply be explained by youthful exuberance!!
I don’t like to do that either. But I just think there is no other explanation. He gets too wired and starts freaking out and losing control.
Yes!! It surely can’t be normal!! So I can understand if many r tempted to suggest that!
The commies r going on about how everyone loves Nick especially Australians, the rugby players, and how Nick and Kackinakis match at AO received higher ratings than the men”s singles final, blah, blah, blah, lol!!
Are they kidding? What is wrong with them? It was all about Rafa!
People in Europe complain about the commentators all the time.
Kyrgios has the perfectly timed ‘C’mon’ to get under Nadal’s skin when he misses shots at key moments.
Once again, he takes Nadal out of his comfort zone.
You’re not allowed to do that to me. You’re not allowed to do that. LOL
Do you know who I am?
I just knew it!! When Rafa was serving at 6:5 I just knew he would get broken so I left and went to see about my dog and then bam!! Rafa loses the damn set!! Sigh!! Vamos Rafa!!
Rafa is going to lose this match! Today is really not his serving day!! I was dreading a 3 setter!!
They say he can’t push off his left foot when serving.
Vamos!
There is surely an issue!! But give him that, he ain’t giving up, lol!!! He’s still fist pumping and giving off +ve vibes, rather than losing it, or breaking down and crying like on the WTA!! Sigh!!
How many dfs has Rafa served today? If we’re not for his serves he would have won that match already!!
Nadal at 1.41 was massive unders – shouldve been 1.80
I don’t gamble or anything but could u explain to me the odds 1.41 or 1.80?
1.41 means Nadal is 70% chance of winning
1.80 means Nadal is 56% chance of winning
This is more of a 56/44 match , than a 70/30
Ok! Thanks! 😄
Alcaraz might be in great form but so is Norrie. 62 64 over Brooksby is massive. Norrie can win.
This Alcaraz, I liked him when he first came on tour but I’m not sure if I like him anymore…….he’s way too scary these days! 🤣
Alcaraz v Norrie is 54/46
clearly not 100% but he just can’t seem to lose! This is the most clutch tennis I’ve EVER seen from Rafa. He is so calm and calculated.
The best part today has been spanking Kyrgios’s big serve down the T on the deuce court. Remember how much this serve bothered Rafa in Wimbledon 14 and today he was all over it.
Would have been good to win this in 2 sets but we’ll take this hard fought 3 sets win! 19-0. Part of me just wants him to pull out now and rest.
Yes but I’m greedy and I want him to get to 20!! 😂🤣 then 21, 22, 23, 24, 25 and 26! 🤪😜