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With the tennis world watching closely, Rafa Nadal made a successful return to Indian Wells with a 7-6 6-2 victory over Ryan Harrison in the second round of the BNP Paribas Open on Saturday. |
Though initially looking a little rusty, the Spanish left-hander showed no visible sign of discomfort after being sidelined for seven months last year by a left knee injury before sealing a commanding win in just over an hour and a half.
Playing his first match on a hardcourt surface in 346 days, Nadal edged a close first set 7-3 in the tiebreak, then broke Harrison’s serve in the third and fifth games of the second to take firm control.
The Spanish world number five, who had his left knee taped up through the match, served out to book his place in the third round, ending Harrison’s brave challenge with an overhead smash to spark loud roars from the crowd.
“It was a good victory for me today against a good opponent,” Nadal, who clinched the Indian Wells title in 2007 and 2009, said. “I am satisfied to be in the next round. That’s the most important thing.
“Two weeks ago, I didn’t really know if I would be here playing. I am happy to be here. I am happy to be in the third round.”
Asked how he felt after the match, Nadal replied: “I am fine. My physical performance needs to improve. My movements need to improve. Matches like this help for me sure, no?
“Today, more than any result, any victory is important because that gives me the chance to play another day. I need to compete. That’s the only way to play well in a short period of time.”