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3/16/13 10:04 PM | Ricky Dimon
Rafael Nadal defeats Tomas Berdych in straight sets on Saturday at the Indian Wells Masters. Nadal awaits either Novak Djokovic or Juan Martin Del Potro in the title match.
If Rafael Nadal has been doubted at times during his comeback, a matchup with Tomas Berdych certainly was not one of them.
Nadal continued his domination of Berdych with an 12th straight victory in the head-to-head series when the Spaniard prevailed 6-4, 7-5 in the semifinals of the BNP Paribas Open on Saturday. After a momentum-shifting second set, Nadal wrapped up the proceedings in one hour and 43 minutes.
One break decided the opener and it came with Berdych serving at 3-3. The sixth-ranked Czech had comfortably held his previous two service games, but a double-fault followed by three wayward forehands put him in an early deficit. Nadal, who did not face a break point in the first set, survived a deuce game at 4-3 and eventually converted his first set point at 5-4 with a service winner.
Berdych showed signs of making a recovery in the second, but perhaps his past struggles against Nadal (now 3-13 lifetime) began to haunt him with a third set in sight. Indian Wells' No. 6 seed broke for 5-3 when his opponent double-faulted, but that is when his final collapse began. Berdych promptly failed to serve it out due to one double-fault and a few ferocious forehands from Nadal.
Still, it was not quite over--not even when Nadal broke again for 6-5. The fifth-ranked Spaniard had to endure to the longest game of the match right at the finish line, as he battled out of a 0-30 hole and then saved three break points. Nadal missed his first match-point opportunity, but he capitalized on his second chance with a perfect second serve.
Next up for the former world No. 1 is either Novak Djokovic or Juan Martin Del Potro.
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oh, yeah.......BABE!!!!
Monalysa , 3/16/13 11:29 PM
Rafa marches to the final as expected!
I have been really impressed by his newfound h/c game since his comeback.
abhirf , 3/17/13 1:05 AM
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This is the quickest Match Report yet!
Rafa is truly a great player, there is no doubt about that.
Vamos Rafa!
nadline , 3/16/13 10:09 PM