Rafael Nadal overcomes Carlos Alcaraz and the wind in a thriller to set up Taylor Fritz meeting in Indian Wells final

Rafael Nadal is through to his fifth Indian Wells final after overcoming compatriot Carlos Alcaraz 6-4 4-6 6-3 in very windy conditions in the California desert. In a gruelling generational battle, the reigning Australian Open champion managed to overcome his highly-rated opponent in extremely windy conditions to extend his remarkable winning record to 20-0 for the year. Ad/> The 35-year-old will meet Taylor Fritz, who beat Andrey Rublev 7-5 6-4 earlier on Saturday, in the final.

ATP Indian WellsNorrie's Indian Wells title defence ends with defeat to AlcarazYESTERDAY AT 09:06 Victory for the 21-time Grand Slam winner over the American, who will be making his maiden Masters final appearance, on Sunday would see him level Novak Djokovic's record of 37 ATP Masters 1000 titles. «In the second [set], the conditions became crazy,» Nadal said after the thriller which lasted three hours and 12 minutes. «It's not funny playing [with] this wind.

Even if it's sometimes a challenge, I can enjoy that. »But in terms of tennis, it's okay. In terms of stopping all the time because [of] the net, [that] was not good.

«In the third, I think I played much better. I played more aggressive, It's true that I saved a couple of balls, but he played some great points too, saving amazing balls.» /> Alcaraz got off to the perfect start against his childhood idol, going a break up in the opening game with thumping backhand winner, setting the tone for a high quality contest. The 18-year-old converted both of his break point opportunities, but Nadal continued to apply the pressure from the baseline and converted three of the 17 he produced.