Nadal Wins Record Breaking 22nd Masters Title At Indian Wells

Rafael Nadal added another triumphant chapter to his remarkable comeback when he came from a set down to beat Juan Martin Del Potro of Argentina 4-6 6-3 6-4 in the Indian Wells Masters final.

The Spanish left-hander, who was sidelined for seven months last year with a left knee injury, overcame a gritty challenge from the hard-hitting Argentine to win a record 22nd ATP Masters title, and a third at Indian Wells.


Fifth seed Nadal broke Del Potro in the third game of the final set and, after his opponent had saved three match points in the ninth, served out to seal victory after an absorbing final that lasted two hours 29 minutes.

The match ended with a mistimed forehand from the seventh-seeded Del Potro which floated wide and the Spaniard immediately dropped to the ground, flat on his back, while shaking his fists in celebration.

"I started the match playing fantastic, then Del Potro started playing a little more aggressive," 11-times grand slam champion Nadal, who moved fluently during the match, said courtside after hugging his opponent at the net.

"In my opinion, I tried to change too early against his forehand. I was playing much too aggressive for my game. When I was able to calm myself, I began to play better. I started to play a little bit slower. My movement was unbelievable.

"Then I play a fantastic match," added the Spaniard, who had his left knee taped up throughout the tournament.

It was Nadal's 53rd ATP singles title, his third of the year after appearing in four successive finals, and his first on a hardcourt surface since Tokyo in 2010.