Rafael Nadal's last Indian Wells win 10 years ago - and what's next for the 22-time Grand Slam champion

06.03.2023 - 14:51 eurosport.com

Watching back the 2013 Indian Wells final between Rafael Nadal and Juan Martin del Potro there is one word that keeps coming to mind: How?

How was Del Potro’s forehand that good? Ad And how did Nadal keep on retrieving even the most punishing of those forehands? ATP Indian WellsNadal withdraws from Indian Wells and Miami Open due to injury28/02/2023 AT 17:56 It was one of the great Masters finals of the current era – and one that preceded arguably Nadal’s greatest season on tour.

The 22-time Grand Slam champion will not be back at Indian Wells this month due to injury, but 10 years on from his stunning victory in 2013, we look at what it meant for him then, and what the future holds for him now.

Comeback kid When Nadal returned after 222 days out with injury on February 5, contending for his first hard-court title in almost three years at Indian Wells was probably not on his mind.

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Eurosport expert Chris Evert has expressed her excitement about the «very interesting» rivalry that is emerging between Iga Swiatek, Aryna Sabalenka and Elena Rybakina, who she believes could end up being the «Federer, Nadal and Djokovic of women's tennis». Evert spoke about the concern that many felt with the retirement of Serena Williams, but has made it clear that the rising trio of women's tennis could develop a rivalry that is comparable to that of Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic in the men's game.

Rafael Nadal's 'miracle' record top-10 streak comes to an end after 912 weeks following Indian Wells

One of the longest streaks in tennis history is over. Rafael Nadal has dropped out of the top 10 of the ATP rankings for the first time since 2005. Ad The 22-time Grand Slam champion has fallen to world No.

Carlos Alcaraz claims 'crazy' Indian Wells triumph with victory over Daniil Medvedev, returns to world No. 1

Carlos Alcaraz was left to bask in his «crazy» and «amazing» Indian Wells triumph after a stunning victory over Daniil Medvedev on Sunday as he returned to world No. 1. The Spaniard stormed past the previously in-form Medvedev in electrifying fashion to clinch a straight-sets win, 6-3 6-2, and seal the title in California while he usurped Australian Open champion Novak Djokovic at the summit of the men's game once more.

Carlos Alcaraz 'motivated' by Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal's ability to win titles straight after injuries

Carlos Alcaraz says he has been inspired by how Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal quickly get back to winning titles after suffering injuries. Alcaraz is through to the semi-finals of Indian Wells after a straight sets win over Felix Auger-Aliassime and will play Jannik Sinner next as the Spaniard bids to win the third Masters title of his career. Ad Last month, Alcaraz won his first title since last November in Buenos Aires after more than three months out with abdominal and hamstring injuries.

Juan Martin del Potro: Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal denied my 'dream' of getting to No. 1

Juan Martin del Potro says Novak Djokovic, Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal denied him his “dream” of getting to world No. 1. Del Potro, who is now retired following multiple wrist and knee injuries, won the US Open in 2009, reached three other Grand Slam semi-finals, and tasted David Cup success with Argentina.