Rafael Nadal improves to 18-0 with win over Reilly Opelka at Indian Wells

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Nursing a nagging foot injury, Rafael Nadal improved to 18-0 this season, edging Reilly Opelka 7-6 (3), 7-6 (5) on Wednesday in the fourth round of the BNP Paribas Open.

"I can’t say it’s a dream because I even couldn’t dream about that three months ago, two months ago," Nadal said. "I am just enjoying every single moment."

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Last year, Nadal's playing time was interrupted by COVID-19 and injuries, creating doubt about the Spanish star's ability to recover well enough to maintain his exacting standards. But he won his record 21st Grand Slam title at the Australian Open in January and has continued on a tear.

"I am just very happy to be playing tennis," said Nadal, who turns 36 in June. "Today was a little bit worse than other days. It’s true that the last couple of days the foot has been bothering me a little bit more."

Nadal has already withdrawn from the Miami Open that follows Indian Wells. He wants extra time to prepare for the clay court season that isn't as punishing as hard courts.

Rafael Nadal, of Spain, celebrates after defeating Reilly Opelka at the BNP Paribas Open tennis tournament Wednesday, March 16, 2022, in Indian Wells, Calif.  (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

Nadal rallied from a 2-4 deficit in the second set to lead 6-5. Opelka held after three deuces when Nadal netted a forehand chasing the American's drop shot to force the second tiebreaker.

Nadal led 4-1 in the tiebreaker when Opelka struggled on his service returns. On his serve, though, the 6-foot-11 American closed to 4-3, hitting winners on a drop shot and a forehand.

Again on his serve, Opelka closed to 6-5.

But Nadal