Rafael Nadal explains how he managed to ‘control’ Reilly Opelka’s ‘weapons’ to go 18-0 for 2022

He managed his rival’s big serve “so-so”, but in the end Rafael Nadal produced his best match at this year’s BNP Paribas Open to see off Reilly Opelka and continue his unbeaten start to the season.
As expected Opelka was excellent on serve and reached speeds of over 230km per hour, but Nadal stood firm in the rallies and eventually claimed a 7-6 (7-3), 7-6 (7-5) win in two hours and 11 minutes to reach the quarter-final.
Make that 18 on the run 🙌@RafaelNadal passes the Opelka test 7-6 7-6 and moves into his 12th QF in the desert!#IndianWells pic.twitter.com/tVpm1LSosG
— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) March 16, 2022
There were no breaks of serve in the opening set with the American saving a break point in game seven and Nadal then comfortably took the tie-breaker.
Opelka looked set to take it to a third set when he broke in game five and then had three more break points in game seven. He was made to pay for not taking his chances as the 21-time Grand Slam winner drew level in game eight.
An early mini-break in the tie-breaker set up the win for Nadal, who is now 18-0 for the season having won the Melbourne Summer Set, Australian Open and Mexican Open.
“He is one of the toughest opponents on Tour,” the Spaniard said. “It is very tough to control his weapons with his serve and forehand. I think I played my best match of the tournament so far. I am very pleased with how I was able to win the match, with two difficult tie-breaks. This victory means a lot to me.”
As for Opelka’s “weapons”, he said: “I manage it so-so. I don’t know if the cameras can follow me like 10 meters behind the baseline.
“It’s not only about the speed. The spin is also difficult to read. Sometimes it’s coming with topspin, sometimes with slice.
“It’s a great victory for me against one of the toughest opponents I can play and I’m very happy. I can’t thank you enough for all the positive energy that I receive every single day here.”
Up next is Nick Kyrgios after the Australian advanced to the quarter-final when 10th seeded Italian Jannik Sinner withdrew due to illness.
Latest
-
French Open
Irina-Camelia Begu cops biggest fine so far at 2022 French Open after ‘unacceptable’ incident
Irina-Camelia Begu has been hit with a…
-
French Open
Rafael Nadal produces his ‘best match’ at 2022 French Open, up next Felix Auger-Aliassime and Uncle Toni
Rafael Nadal edges closer to potential Novak Djokovic showdown.
-
French Open
Novak Djokovic striving for perfection and more aggression after easing into Roland Garros fourth round
Novak Djokovic marches on at Roland Garros.
-
French Open
Belinda Bencic fumes at umpire over time violation during defeat to Leylah Fernandez at Roland Garros
It’s Leylah Fernandez v Amanda Anisimova up next at Roland Garros.
-
French Open
Exclusive – Why Carlos Alcaraz could be a hybrid of Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic
Annabel Croft says Carlos Alcaraz has taken the best elements of Nadal, Djokovic and Federer to build his game.
-
French Open
Novak Djokovic ‘is back’ says John McEnroe as he makes world No 1 ‘very slight’ favourite for Roland Garros title
John McEnroe tipping Novak Djokovic to win the 2022 French Open.
-
Wimbledon
Daniil Medvedev insists ‘if I can play Wimbledon I will be happy to be there, even without points’
Daniil Medvedev would jump at the chance to play at Wimbledon.
-
Live Tennis
Tennis365’s live scores and results centre: Follow the French Open here
Aaaaand it’s live! Follow the action from Roland Garros…
-
Tennis News
Nick Kyrgios has ‘bigger fish to fry’ after Bernard Tomic challenges him ‘sort this out in the boxing ring’
Nick Kyrgios and Bernard Tomic won’t be stepping into a boxing ring any time soon.
-
French Open
Irina-Camelia Begu escapes disqualification after ’embarrassing moment’ left young fan in tears
“I just want to apologise,” says Irina-Camelia Begu.