INDIAN WELLS: Spanish star Rafael Nadal and world number one Novak Djokovic remained on course Wednesday for a mouth-watering Indian Wells semi-final, while Swiss Stan Wawrinka exited in a match he described as a no-brainer.
World number five Nadal survived a scare from Alexander Zverev, rallying to beat the German teenager 6-7 (8/10), 6-0, 7-5 and reach the quarter-finals.
Two-time defending champion Djokovic cruised into the quarters by beating Feliciano Lopez 6-3, 6-3 but French Open champion Stan Wawrinka bit the dust in the joint ATP and WTA Tour tournament.
Nadal, who saved a match point in the third set, said he had to adjust quickly to 18-year-old Zverev’s style, especially the German’s second serve.
“With his second serve at 120 mph, with a lot of spin and at 124, 123, 120 mph, it was impossible,” Nadal said.
“If he puts the first serve in at over 130 mph then you are in big trouble. So I think that I’m here, and still alive.”
Indeed, Zverev had the 14-time Grand Slam champion Nadal on the ropes for much of Wednesday’s two and a half hour contest. Following the match the Spaniard predicted great things for the teen.
“He is amazingly talented. He is probably going to be the number one in the world,” said Nadal after their first career meeting.
