Date: 3/19/2011
Result: Indian Wells SF, Rafael Nadal def. Juan Martin del Potro 6-4 6-4
Why it matters:
- These two haven't met since del Potro crushed Nadal 6-2 6-2 6-2 in the 2009 US Open semifinals, and I think Rafa had revenge keen on his mind. After three straight losses, albeit in 09, to del Potro, Rafa wanted to avoid four in a row (only Davydenko has pulled off a streak of 4 wins - thanks ESPN for that stat!) And when Rafa's "A" game didn't appear to be working early, Rafa made the crucial tactical changes that were required. He kept the ball low, mixed up paces, and ground out an important win. This moves Rafa back into the top 3 in the "Race" (year-to-date) points, which sets him up perfectly for what should be another big run on clay to protect his #1 ranking.
- This was still a really good performance for Juan Martin. Sure, he had chances to win, and that would've be an UNBELIEVABLY good performance, but going down to the world #1 in two competitive sets is not bad at all. And, not to harp on the "Race" concept, but del Potro is already set up for a top 10 finish if he keeps up his pace - and he's only going to better.
Honorable Mention:
- Indian Wells SF, Novak Djokovic def. Roger Federer - 63 36 62 - Though it was also the opposite result from the 2009 US Open semifinals, I have less to say about this match because it went exactly as I expected it. Djokovic has come out firing against Roger in each of their matches this year, Roger mounts some kind of comeback in the 2nd, and then Novak finishes him off. This time, Roger actually won the 2nd, and that was to be expected, too. After coming from a break down in both Melbourne and Dubai to win the 2nd set, it would be hard to expect Djokovic to do it again, but he regrouped at the right moment in the 3rd and won an expected victory.
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