Agence France-Presse
Indian Wells, March 17: Spanish star Rafael Nadal and World No. 1 Novak Djokovic remained on course for a mouth-watering Indian Wells semifinal clash here crafting contrasting victories while Swiss Stan Wawrinka exited in a match he described as a no-brainer.
In the women’s singles, Serena Williams ousted defending champion Simona Halep quite easily to set up a semifinal clash with Agnieszka Radwanska, an opponent she has beaten in all their previous nine encounters.
World No. 5 Nadal survived a scare from Alexander Zverev, rallying to beat the German teenager 6-7 (8-10), 6-0, 7-5 to reach the last eight. Two-time defending champion Djokovic however, cruised into the quarters by beating Feliciano Lopez 6-3, 6-3.
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, which he consistently hit at speeds of 120 mph.
“With his second serve at 120mph, with a lot of spin and at 124, 123, 120mph, it was impossible,” Nadal said. “If he puts the first serve in at over 130mph then you are in big trouble. So I think that I’m here, and still alive.”
The contest on the main stadium court in front of a crowd of about 10,000 turned on match point in the ninth game of the third set with Zverev serving and leading 5-3. Up 40-30, the German then made three straight unforced errors to hand the game to Nadal who then closed out the match easily.
Nadal will now face Kei Nishikori of Japan, who rallied to beat American John Isner 1-6, 7-6 (7-2), 7-6 (7-5).
Wawrinka however, was sent crashing out in the fourth round by David Goffin. “It was a match without a brain,” said Wawrinka, who lost 6-3, 5-7, 7-6 (7-5) to 15th seed Goffin.
In the women’s segment Serena toppled Halep 6-4, 6-3 while Radwanska defeated Petra Kvitova 6-2, 7-6 (7-3).