Rafael Nadal beats the United States, ranked 1

In Oasis California, Nadal triumphed in the round of 16 7:6 (7:3), 7:6 (7:5) against Reilly Opelka (ATP 17), America’s No. 1, who last played at Delray Beach (finalist) Dallas (winner) also made two finals. Nadal was trailing 2:4 in the second set and had to save three more to make it 2:5.

In the quarter-finals, Nadal will meet Australian Nick Kyrgios (ATP 132) on Thursday, who managed to beat without facing patient Jannick Sener – and can hope for another win if Nadal does not suffer from his left foot problems. monitoring. “Foot has been hurting more than before in the last few days. I’m trying to stay positive.”

After the quarter-finals and before a potential semi-final, Nadal rested for a day. It was clear from the start of the tournament that Nadal would return to Europe after the Indian Wells Championships and would not attend Miami next week. After Indian Wells, Nadal is fully focused on the claycourt season, which for him begins in April with the Monte Carlo Open.