Rafael Nadal’s History At Indian Wells

Fifteen years ago, Rafael Nadal competed at Indian Wells for the first time. In 2019, the Spaniard returns for his 14th appearance as he pursues a fourth trophy at the BNP Paribas Open. 

Nadal has shown good form in 2019, advancing to the Australian Open, only to be stopped by the red-hot World No. 1 Novak Djokovic. While Nadal lost in the second round of the Abierto Mexicano Telcel presentado por HSBC, he played impressively to push eventual champion Nick Kyrgios to a final-set tie-break, giving him positive momentum heading into Indian Wells.

Fast Facts
– Nadal has won more BNP Paribas Open titles (3) than all other Spaniards combined (2). Jose Higueras lifted the trophy in 1983, and Alex Corretja triumphed at the tournament in 2000.

– In Nadal’s three victories at the ATP Masters 1000 event, he has lost a combined three sets. The first time he lifted the trophy in the desert, in 2007, Nadal did not drop a set. 

– Indian Wells is one of three Masters 1000 events at which Nadal has won 50 matches. Nadal, who holds a 50-10 record at the BNP Paribas Open, owns 68 wins in Monte-Carlo and 56 in Rome.

– In terms of titles, Indian Wells is Nadal’s second-most successful hard-court Masters 1000 event. The only other tournament at this level that the Spaniard has won more times is the Rogers Cup, which he has been victorious at four times.

Five Nadal Stats From Indian Wells
First Match: 2004, Nadal def. Lars Burgsmuller 6-2, 6-3 

First Title: 2007, Nadal def. Novak Djokovic 6-2, 7-5

Record: 50-10

Top 10 record : 9-6

6-0 Sets Won: 5

Watch Nadal Spend Time With Former World No. 1 Golfer Fred Couples At Indian Wells

Most Recent Appearance: 2017
Nadal missed the 2018 BNP Paribas Open due to a right hip injury. On his last appearance, in 2017, the Spaniard advanced to the Round of 16 before losing to Roger Federer in straight sets. It was the 11th time that Nadal made it that far at the Masters 1000 event.

Seed at the 2019 BNP Paribas Open: No. 2 

Did You Know?
Nadal has also lifted the doubles title at Indian Wells twice, partnering compatriot Marc Lopez on both occasions. The Spaniards triumphed in 2010 and 2012. In 2011, the pair lost a blockbuster semi-final against Roger Federer and Stan Wawrinka.