By Chris Oddo | Tuesday March 15, 2016
Rafael Nadal came through a difficult second set to close out Fernando Verdasco in straight sets on Tuesday at Indian Wells.
Photo: Julian Finney/Getty
It started as a blowout and ended as a nail biter, but in the end Rafael Nadal got a modicum of revenge for his tough five-set loss to Fernando Verdasco at the Australian Open by sending his compatriot packing from Indian Wells, 6-0, 7-6(9) on Tuesday.
More: Kvitova Sets Radwanska Quarterfinal at Indian Wells
A late-waking Verdasco did his part to make a match of it, and he even earned five set points, including triple-set point, but Nadal hung tough and converted his second match point to clinch his victory and book a spot in the round of 16 where he’ll face 18-year-old Alexander Zverev.
Nadal had lost three of four against Verdasco after starting his career 13-0 against his fellow countryman and southpaw.
The three-time BNP Paribas Open champion improves to 10-4 on the season, and 46-8 lifetime at Indian Wells with the win.