Tennis great Rafael Nadal recalls “most emotional” triumph amidst Indian Wells 2024 comeback

Rafael Nadal reflects on his decision to play and win the 2013 BNP Paribas Open.

Tennis great Rafael Nadal recalls “most emotional” triumph amidst Indian Wells 2024 comeback

Rafael Nadal (via Imago)

Rafael Nadal reflects on his special 2013 Indian Wells title win ahead of his second comeback in 2024. The Spanish star defeated Juan Martin del Petro in the final of the BNP Paribas Open after not playing in a hard-court tournament in 12 months.

In a video segment posted by BNP Paribas Open on X, tennis legend Rafael recounted how he came a set down to beat Argentine Del Potro 4-6, 6-3, 6-4.

YouTube video

That was Nadal’s 22nd career Masters title and a third at the tournament. In addition, it was the Grand Slam winner’s 53rd ATP singles title and the first on a hard court in nearly three years.

Nadal was sidelined for seven months in 2012 because of a knee injury. He made his comeback in 2013 by finishing as a runner-up on the ATP Tour in Chile. He then won the Rio Open and the Los Cabos Open. 

Prepared enough for the Indian Wells tournament, there was still doubt whether his knee could withstand the pressure of a hard court, but Nadal decided to go to the Indian Wells Tournament.

2013, I think the final against Del Potro was so special for me because it was the first tournament on hard after more than a year because I had a very important injury on my knee. And so I was outside of the tour for eight months and then I came back, I play in South America, playing in Vina del Mar, then Sao Paulo, and then in Acapulco that I played great in Acapulco.
Nadal said

Rafael Nadal would return to the BNP Paribas Open, which starts on March 6–17. He will be hoping for another hard court and perhaps test his hip in the hard court.

But then I was not sure if I coming here or not because the doctors told me better not to play too hard, but I decided to come. So I said, if I can win one or two matches, I will be happy. Just I wanted to test my knee on hard courts but after I won the event. And yeah a very, very emotional one.
Nadal added

Rafael Nadal ready for Indian Wells

Rafael Nadal will be returning to the BNP Paribas Open following his withdrawal from the Qatar Open. The Spanish legend, who spent most of the 2023 season on the sidelines, has decided to make every tournament count as he bears retirement.

Fans are surprised by the obscene fees that Rafael Nadal is charging for a private training session with him in the Netflix Slam on 3rd March
Rafael Nadal (image via: Eurosport)
I will focus on keep working to be ready for the exhibition in Las Vegas and the amazing Indian Wells tournament.
He said.

Nadal made his 2024 comeback at the Brisbane International. The 22-time Grand Slam title winner defeated Jason Kubler and Dominic Thiem in straight sets but succumbed to a defeat against Jordan Thompson in the quarterfinals.

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