Rafael Nadal Sees Off Del Potro Challenge

Rafael Nadal was looking to end Juan Martin Del Potro’s three match winning streak against him when they met in the semi-final of the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells yesterday.

The opening Masters event of the 2011 season was the first ATP competition that Nadal had played in since picking up an injury in the Australian Open quarter final back in January.

The tournament also saw Del Potro continue his road to full fitness after missing the majority of the 2010 season with a wrist injury.

And it was Del Potro, who won the U.S. Open back in 2009, who made the brighter start as he broke Nadal in his opening service game and soon sped to a 4-1 lead.

Nadal looked out of sorts in the opening exchanges as he struggled with his range - his forehand misfiring left, right and centre.

However the lull didn’t last long as Nadal finally joined the party to take the final five games of the opening set to take it 6-4.

Nadal needed just a single break at 2-2 in the second to secure his place in the final - as he upped his game and showed that he was back in good form.

Speaking to the ATP after the match Nadal said: “When I served for the first time in the match, I think I had two or three unforced errors with my forehand, so that's not usual.

“That's maybe because I didn't play very good matches this week before.

“After that I think I started to put more balls inside, played higher to his backhand, and tried to get the right rhythm. I think I did well. I played a few good games.

“I think he had a few mistakes than usual. That helped me a little bit. But in general, I think I played my best match in Indian Wells this year by far.”

It’s set to be a busy few weeks for the world number one as he has title points to defend in Monte Carlo, Rome, Madrid and at the French Open.

His win over Del Potro yesterday saw him go one step further than he did twelve months ago - falling to eventual champion Ivan Ljubicic.

He will now face Novak Djokovic, who saw off Roger Federer, in the final later today.

FemaleFirst Helen Earnshaw